N120bn Pilgrimage Bill: How FG, States Spent Big on Holy Trips

An investigation by Saturday PUNCH has revealed that the Federal Government and 21 states have spent a staggering N119.9 billion on subsidies for Christian and Muslim pilgrimages between 2022 and 2024.

The figures, gleaned from media reports, show that in 2022, eight governors from various states spent N4.94 billion to fund pilgrimages. In 2023, eight state governors spent N9.88 billion, while in 2024, President Bola Tinubu and 14 state governors spent a whopping N105 billion on Hajj pilgrims alone.

The investigation shows a pattern of lavish spending on pilgrimages, with some states providing logistics support, subsidizing fares, and even gifting pilgrims with foreign currency.

Vice-President Shettima revealed that President Tinubu subsidized the 2024 Hajj with N90 billion, citing economic difficulties. However, critics may question the prioritization of pilgrimage subsidies amidst economic challenges.

The report raises questions about the transparency and accountability of these expenditures, as well as the equitable allocation of resources.

The breakdown of the expenditures reveals a staggering amount spent on pilgrimages. In 2022, Enugu State sponsored 300 pilgrims, Delta State sponsored 312, and Taraba State sponsored 163, among others. In 2023, Imo State funded 1,000 Christian pilgrims, while Adamawa State paid for all its 2,574 Muslim pilgrims.

In 2024, the spending skyrocketed, with President Tinubu subsidizing the Hajj with N90 billion. Kogi State paid the full amount for its 460 pilgrims, while Bauchi State announced a subsidy of N959,000 for its 2,290 pilgrims. Jigawa and Kebbi states subsidized fares with N1 million each for their pilgrims.

The Ogun State Government paid N119.6 million to cover the shortfall in the Basic Travel Allowance for its Muslim pilgrims. Katsina State gifted each pilgrim 720 Saudi riyal, equivalent to N733 million. Kwara State spent $310,200 on travel allowances for its 3,102 pilgrims, while Sokoto State approved 1,000 Saudi riyal for each of its 3,643 pilgrims, totaling N1.4 billion.

The investigation raises questions about the justification for such massive expenditures on pilgrimages, especially when basic amenities and infrastructure are lacking in many parts of the country. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, it remains to be seen whether such spending will be sustainable in the long term.