Lagos reduces hajj fare from N1.2m to N1.150m

Akinwunmi Ambode

In a bid to ensure a successful 2016 Hajj exercise and to cushion the effects of the present economic hardship on intending pilgrims, the Lagos State Government has reviewed Hajj fare downward from N1.2 million to N1.150 million.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem disclosed this during 2016 Maiden Ramadan Lecture organized to educate intending pilgrims on Islamic teachings and principles at the Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Commissioner explained that the reduction of N50,000 from the fare is an incentive to cushion the effect of current economic situation, stating further that recently the state government refunded the sum of N50 million to 3,047 pilgrims in respect of certain benefits they missed during the 2015 Hajj exercise.

“We are government of the people and we believe in justice and fairness”, he stressed.

Abdul-Lateef announced further that N35,000 paid for the purchase of ram in Mecca for this year’s Hajj will also be refunded to the pilgrims, stating that government will make the necessary provision for rams on Eid-el-Kabir day.

He advised intending pilgrims to be patient with each other and appointed Ulamas to supervise, control and educate them during this year’s Hajj exercise.

He also urged intending pilgrims to continue to pray for the nation, Lagos State and themselves.

Abdul-Lateef promised that this year’s Hajj will be better than previous years because the government is fully prepared to ensure that all arrangements are perfected with well trained, motivated and professional staff to attend to pilgrims here in Nigeria and the Holy Land.

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