Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu approved N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 2024 inaugural hajj airlift at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi capital.

About 430 pilgrims from the state are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia today.

“You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates,” NAN quoted Shettima as saying.

“President Bola Tinubu also worked round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.

“A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the release of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.”

The vice-president said Tinubu places great importance on religious pilgrimage, noting that it plays a crucial role in changing the social vices of individuals beyond the hajj exercise.

“Due to this high regard, the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said

“Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well-being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.

“We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims.”

Shettima urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the progress of Tinubu’s administration for a better country “we are proud to call our motherland”.

“Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper,” he added.