Given the current cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria, where basic food items have become unaffordable for millions of citizens, it is economically irresponsible for lawmakers to advocate the use of state funds to subsidise religious pilgrimages. The depreciating naira, which was approaching the N2,000 per $1 mark before stringent efforts were made to redeem it, coupled with a national debt stock of N87.9 trillion and a food inflation rate of 35.41 per cent, underscores the urgency for legislators to focus on enacting laws that strengthen the value of the national currency rather than exacerbating its challenges by subsidising religious trips.
During the plenary session in Abuja, members of the House of Representatives proposed that Nigeria should imprudently subsidise the 2024 hajj for Muslims. Their primary argument is that the naira has significantly depreciated, leading the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to raise the fare for the 2024 hajj. Initially, NAHCON had announced a fee of N4.5 million, which was later increased to N4.69 million for intending northern pilgrims and N4.8 million for pilgrims from the south.
During the motion, Umar Ajilo, a legislator, criticised the fees set by NAHCON as “exorbitant” and stressed the importance of making the 2024 hajj more accessible.
He highlighted the inappropriateness of the current fare, particularly for middle- and low-income prospective pilgrims. Ultimately, the House approved the motion.
President Bola Tinubu removed petrol subsidy on May 29 and followed that with the naira exchange rate merger two weeks later. The two policies are causing economic shocks. If the government is not subsidising petrol and the naira, it is absurd that the same administration will turn around to subsidise religious pilgrimages. Funding a religious pilgrimage now at the expense of the economy is a misplaced priority.
Currently, the government is grappling with an electricity subsidy, which has been estimated at N3.3 trillion by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. Providing subsidies for the Hajj pilgrimage, or any religious pilgrimage, is economically unfeasible.
The timing of this proposal is highly inappropriate. While the general population battles with economic difficulties, the political elite currently represented by the parliament appear more focused on accommodating religious interests than addressing the pressing economic requirements of the people.
The proposal by the House of Representatives undermines the principles of secularism, prioritising religion over the nation’s requirements. If the Tinubu administration approves this request, it could set a precedent for ongoing religious subsidies, with other faiths seeking equal treatment.
Citizens, enduring severe hardship and hunger presently, must oppose this proposal and shift their attention towards how the government can tackle the economic difficulties confronting the nation.
Government should focus instead on addressing the economic challenges facing the country currently, including privatisation, economy, restructuring, and insecurity.
The government must know it has no concern with subsidising religious pilgrimage, making travels to these Sacred places for worship should be an individual responsibility.
