Lagos State Government, yesterday, said it would no longer sponsor pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem.
The government said the fall in the price of oil and the need for the state to invest more on infrastructural development and capacity building necessitated the decision.
The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef made this disclosure while addressing some Muslim faithful in Ikeja.
Dr AbdulLateef added that the present economic indications had made it difficult to continue to finance Hajj rites performed by an individual now that about N1million is required for such sponsorship.
He said:”It is better to invest such an amount in the public schools or hospitals for the benefit of Lagos residents and Nigerians at large.
“Individuals intending to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah as well going to Jerusalem should be prepared to bear the economic implications involved, as the state government is resolute about cutting wastages.”
