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Tinubu approves N90bn Hajj subsidy, clears N24bn airline debt

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2025

Tinubu approves N90bn Hajj subsidy, clears N24bn airline debt

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has highlighted key interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at easing the financial burden of Nigerian pilgrims and stabilizing Hajj operations.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed that President Tinubu approved a ₦90 billion subsidy to support Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2024 Hajj. He noted that this intervention was a one-time approval for the year, designed to cushion the effects of rising costs and ensure that more Muslims were able to fulfill their religious obligation.

In addition, the President also settled ₦24 billion in outstanding payments owed to airlines that facilitated the 2023 Hajj operations.

He said that despite economic headwinds and logistical challenges, Nigeria’s Hajj operations have achieved their mandate for Nigerians.

Similarly, the commission refunded N5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj.

He announced that the commission has rolled out policies to reduce Hajj fares for intending pilgrims.

“One of the most significant interventions was President Tinubu’s approval of a N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise to cushion the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on pilgrims.

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“In addition, the President approved N24 billion to settle outstanding payments to 2023 Hajj airlines, rescuing local carriers from imminent collapse. The Federal Government also intervened in negotiations with airlines to accept payments in local currency, thereby shielding pilgrims from the shocks of Forex volatility.

“The administration has also expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme by partnering with more banks, allowing intending pilgrims, especially youth and low-income earners, to gradually save towards the sacred journey. Professor Usman described this as a legacy tool that will serve generations to come by instilling financial planning and easing the burden of preparation.

“In line with the anti-corruption stance of the present administration, NAHCON refunded ₦5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj. This act of transparency restored confidence, promoted accountability, and underscored the Commission’s commitment to efficient and honest service delivery.

“The Commission also amended contracts with service providers, aligning costs with the actual number of pilgrims totalling 52,544, down from an earlier projection of 95,000. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds and led to reductions in fares for the 2025 Hajj.

“Pilgrims’ welfare also received a boost, with 98 percent of medical supplies provided by the Federal Government. Health workers were fully mobilised to deliver round-the-clock care, ensuring the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise. Cost reductions were further achieved across several service components, with pilgrims benefiting from a 720 SAR reduction for Mashair services, 200 SAR savings on Madinah accommodation, a 303 SAR reduction in transport fares, and airfare reductions of $116 for the North-Central/North-West, $149 for the North-East, and $138 for the South.

Professor Usman concluded that the progress made so far is a reflection of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and empathy for Nigerian pilgrims.

“It is to be noted that in an attempt to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, NAHCON amended its contract with Mashariq AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered pilgrims (52,544), down from the initial projection of 95,000. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds as well as the reduction of the Hajj fare for pilgrims.”

Tinubu approves N90bn Hajj subsidy, clears N24bn airline debt

Related Topics:debt Featured Hajj subsidy NAHCON

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.