President Muhammadu Buhari has ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
By this decision, government is expected to save about one million U.S Dollars and N30m in local expenses.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said on Monday that government will carry out its duty to Nigerians on the annual Hajj pilgrimage by extending to them consular, medical and welfare support 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.
He however reassured that government will not fail in its obligations to the citizens on pilgrimage.
