Buhari Cancels All Govt Delegation to Pilgrimage, Saves $1m

It's no longer business as usual. In his bid to cut cost of governments, President Mohammadu Buhari has said that there would be no federal government delegation for this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia.

With the decision, the government is expected to save about $1 million and N30m in local expenses.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu who stated this on Monday quoted the president as saying that the decision was not targeted at any individual or group.

He also stated that States were at liberty to sponsor their pilgrims, if they so desired.

"The states can deal with that (meaning appointment of own delegations) but this year at the Center, we will not be involved," said the Presidency.