Northerners expresses anger over the removal of Hajj subsidy

There has been an angry reaction on the BBC Hausa Facebook page to the news that the government agency that facilitates the Hajj has increased its prices by 50%.

The trip will now cost on average 1.5m naira ($4,700, £3,700) rather the 1m naira charged previously.

It’s thought that the price rise is down to the depreciation of the naira against the dollar.

Many commenting on the price rise are blaming the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, which came to power two years ago:

“The poor who voted this government into power deserve better.”
Madaki in Lagos

“He who feels it knows it! They told us to wait till Buhari got into office, then everything would get better. We were told to be patient. Poor northerners – we’re always going after what will lead us into a pit. We pray for real change in 2019.”
Yahya Ibrahim Muhammad

“This is the northerners’ reward for voting in this government – petrol subsidy, removed. Fertiliser subsidy, removed. Hajj subsidy, also removed. The only thing left to remove is university education subsidy. I pray for positive change.”
Isa Dangambo

But some are more conciliatory:

“Even if going to Saudi Arabia were to be made free, there’ll still be those whom Allah hasn’t permitted to go. Therefore those who are destined to visit the holy land will not feel that the fare is too expensive. Our hope is for those who have the opportunity to go, should have a successful Hajj.”
Bala Shaaibu Karfi