The Kano government has approved a subsidy of N500,000 each for intending pilgrims in the state, following the recent hike in hajj fare.

On Sunday, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced an increase of N1.9 million to the initial N4.9 million paid by intending pilgrims.

The commission said the increase became necessary due to the forex crisis in Nigeria.

NAHCON also advised intending pilgrims to make payments based on the current dollar exchange rate and gave March 28 as the deadline to pay the extra money.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, said intending pilgrims in the state will now pay the sum of N1.4 million.

“Following the sudden increase of N1.9 million Hajj fare increase by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, I have approved a subsidy of N500,000 each for intending pilgrims from Kano embarking on the 2024 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia,” the governor said.

“With this, intending pilgrims who have registered and paid the initial total deposit of N4.7 million and N4.5 million with the state pilgrims board, will now deposit N1.4 million out of the N1.9 million increase.”