ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Buhari has ruled out a government delegation for this year’s pilgrimage because of the current stance of the Federal Government on balancing government expenditure and reducing costs where possible.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja, on Monday night, by this decision, government was expected to save about $1 million and N30 million in local expenses.
Indications did emerge earlier at the weekend from the Hajj Commission that this year’s hajj would not have a government’s delegation.
The statement said government would carry out its duty to Nigerians on the annual pilgrimage by extending to them consular, medical and welfare support as expected of it.
He quoted the president as saying that the decision was for both procedural and economic reasons and not one aimed at any group or individual.
Credit: Tribune (Nigeria)
