Governor Abba Yusuf has urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare to enable intending pilgrims to perform the exercise.

The governor said the call was imperative given the country’s economic challenges, according to a statement by his media aide, Sanusi Bature, on Tuesday.

Mr Yusuf stated this at an event organised by the state Pilgrims Welfare Board to refund money remitted by the Saudi Arabian authorities due to the power outage experienced during the 2023 Hajj exercise.

He commended the Saudi Arabian government for the gesture and promised to send an appreciation letter.

While commending the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for its prudence and timely refund, Yusuf lauded the pilgrims’ board for the successful conduct of the 2024 Hajj.

Mr Yusuf, who visited Saudi Arabia and performed the Lesser Hajj few weeks ago, said the state had commenced preparations for the 2025 Hajj to identify areas that needed further intervention.

Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, who heads the 2024 Kano Hajj delegation, commended the governor for supporting the pilgrims board.

The board’s director-general, Laminu Danbaffa, said N375 million refund was disbursed to pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj exercise.

(NAN)