Influential Kano Cleric Makes Key Demand on Hajj Subsidy, Throws Major Challenge to Leaders
- A prominent Kano cleric has demanded President Tinubu to provide a 50 percent Hajj subsidy for 2026, arguing the rising cost prevents average Nigerians from performing the pilgrimage
- He justifies the demand by citing social media reports of a similar government subsidy for Christian pilgrims to Israel
- Christian reverend sister, however cautioned against comparing the two as they have very different logistical operations
A prominent Islamic scholar in Kano, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi, has publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recent increase in Hajj fares and implement a 50 percent subsidy for Nigerian Muslims intending to perform the pilgrimage in 2026.
Sheikh Tijjani issued the appeal on Tuesday during an interview with journalists in Kano, citing concerns over fairness and the growing financial burden on faithful.
Source: Original
His call for action was prompted by reports of government support for Christian pilgrims.
“I came across a news report circulating on social media indicating that the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a 50 percent subsidy for Christian intending pilgrims traveling to Israel,” the cleric stated.
He also directly questioned the apparent disparity in treatment.
“If that is true, why should the same not apply to Muslims since we are all Nigerians?” He asked.
Muslims fear low Hajj turnout due to high cost
Findings by Legit.ng show that the cleric’s remarks, however, tap into the growing anxieties among Nigerian Muslims about the escalating cost of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Many fear that the current economic climate, coupled with the recent fare hike, could prevent a significant number of average Nigerians from fulfilling this religious obligation.
Source: Getty Images
Extending his appeal beyond the presidency, Sheikh Tijjani also urged northern political leaders to champion the cause.
“I also call on our politicians, especially our representatives from the North, to take up this matter and ensure that a 50 percent subsidy is approved for the next Hajj fare,” he added.
Muslims demand equal treatment as Christians
Meanwhile, in a brief telephone interview, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, a retired civil servant who has been saving for the pilgrimage, expressed strong support for the Sheikh’s position.
“He has spoken the minds of millions of us. The cost now is beyond the reach of common men.”
“If it is true that our brothers and sisters going to Jerusalem are being assisted, it is only justice that we receive the same. This Hajj is a pillar of our faith, and not a luxury. The government should help bring it closer to the poor,” he pleaded.
Christian highlights difference in two faiths' pilgrimages
However, speaking to Legit.ng correspondent via phone call, a Christian reverend sister from Adamawa state, Fatima Joseph offered a cautious perspective.
“While I understand the emotional and religious significance, we must be cautious in comparing the two pilgrimages. The logistics, costs, and agreements with host countries are vastly different.”
“The government’s primary duty is to ensure the welfare and security of all pilgrims, regardless of faith,” she added.
She further explained that any discussion of subsidy must be part of a broader, equitable fiscal policy, not a reaction to social media reports.
Man arrested in Kano for lewd act
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a 24-year-old man, Shamsu Yakubu, was arrested by Kano Hisbah after a viral video showed him engaging in an obscene act with a she-goat.
The suspect claimed the act was staged to gain social media attention, though he denied actual contact with the animal.
Hisbah officials condemned the act and ordered mental and drug evaluations, warning against eroding Islamic and moral values for online fame.
Source: Legit.ng
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Kano's regional correspondent, Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in the state. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
