Following government’s resolve to cut down on expenditure and all other costs, President Muhammadu Buhari has ruled out Federal Government delegation for this year’s hajj pilgrimage.
This decision will save government an estimated one million U.S Dollars and N30m in local expenses.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday assured that government will not fail in its obligations to the citizens on pilgrimage inspite of the absence of a government delegation.
Indications emerged earlier at the weekend from the Hajj Commission that this year’s Hajj would not have a government delegation.
Shehu said government will carry out its duty to Nigerians on the annual pilgrimage by extending consular, medical and welfare support to them as expected of it.
He quoted the president as saying that the decision is for both procedural and economic reasons and not one aimed at any group or individual.
“The states can deal with
that (meaning appointment of own delegations) but this year at the Center, we will not be involved” the President has said.
Elizabeth Archibong
