A prominent cleric in Kano, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recent increase in Hajj fares and provide a 50 percent subsidy for Nigerian Muslims intending to perform the pilgrimage in 2026.
Sheikh Tijjani made the appeal on Tuesday in Kano during an interview with journalists.
He said, “I came across a news report circulating on social media indicating that the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a 50 percent subsidy for Christian intending pilgrims traveling to Israel.”
The cleric questioned the disparity, asking, “If that is true, why should the same not apply to Muslims since we are all Nigerians?”
He further urged politicians, particularly representatives from the North, to intervene. “I also call on our politicians, especially our representatives from the North, to take up this matter and ensure that a 50 percent subsidy is approved for the next Hajj fare,” he added.
Sheikh Tijjani’s remarks come amid concerns from Nigerian Muslims over the rising cost of Hajj, which many fear could limit participation for average Nigerians.