BEVERLY HILLS, August 11, (THEWILL) – The federal government will not be sponsoring a high-powered delegation to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the year hajj as it used to do.
The move is expected to save taxpayers at least $1m in addition to about N30 million in local expenditure.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, this move will not curtail government’s obligations of consular, medical and welfare support to the pilgrims.
“The states can deal with that (appointment of own delegations) but this year at the centre, we will not be involved,” Garba said.
Nigeria faces serious financial challenges as the price of crude, which accounts for over 80% of its annual budget, continues to tumble in the markets.
Written by Muhammad Bello.
