When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, the cost of performing Hajj stood at about ₦2.9 million. By last year, Nigerian pilgrims were paying as high as ₦8.6 million to fulfill one of the sacred pillars of Islam.
Ironically, President Tinubu, who rode to power on a Muslim–Muslim ticket, has now directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reduce the fare ahead of the coming elections. While the announcement has been welcomed by some, it appears to many as mere political rhetoric — a gesture too small to make a real difference for thousands of Nigerian Muslims still unable to afford the pilgrimage.
After all, what is the real relief between ₦8.5 million and ₦7.5 million? The marginal reduction does little to address the broader concern that Hajj has become an exclusive exercise for the wealthy. It is worth recalling that even under former President Muhammadu Buhari — who insisted that subsidizing Hajj was unconstitutional — the fare never reached such astronomical heights.
Buhari has gone to his grave and now faces his Creator. So will every leader, including President Tinubu. It is therefore wise for the president to act in ways that will earn him Allah’s mercy when his own time comes. Leadership is a trust and a test from God, and true power lies in using it to serve justice and uplift one’s faith, not merely to achieve political advantage.
Mr. President should be cautious not to rely solely on advice from certain clerics and officials within NAHCON who appear more interested in personal gain than in the welfare of the faithful. Those familiar with the Hajj process know that NAHCON’s operations have long been clouded by allegations of profiteering. The question remains: what exactly justifies a ₦7.5 million charge for a journey covering airfare, accommodation, and meals for about 30 days?
This lack of transparency has led to widespread suspicion of corruption within the commission, with several cases reportedly under investigation by the EFCC.
If the Tinubu administration truly wishes to demonstrate fairness and empathy, it should extend the same consideration shown to Christian pilgrims. Recently, a 50% subsidy was granted to Nigerian Christians traveling to Jerusalem. What is good for the goose, as the saying goes, is good for the gander.
Nigerian Muslims expect nothing less than a meaningful reduction — not token politics — that will enable them to fulfill one of the most important obligations of their faith. Only then will the much-touted “Muslim–Muslim” mandate prove its worth beyond the ballot box and before the Almighty.