Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has come under fire for spending approximately ₦3.02 billion in public funds to sponsor 357 Muslim pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, despite the alarming state of healthcare infrastructure across the state. This decision has sparked widespread concern, especially in light of ongoing reports of severe neglect in public hospitals that have resulted in preventable deaths due to inadequate funding, power failures, and poor facilities.
A Costly Religious Sponsorship
According to official figures from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for pilgrims from the northern region is ₦8,457,685.59 per person. With Niger State covering the entire cost for 357 individuals, the total bill amounts to approximately ₦3.02 billion. Sources close to the state government confirmed that this figure was fully borne by the public treasury, with no indication of partial payment or cost-sharing by the beneficiaries.
The state began dispatching pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on May 9, and the final group departed on May 14. The Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from the evening of June 4 to the evening of June 9, 2025.
Religious Duty or Misplaced Priority?
Governor Bago has repeatedly positioned the sponsorship of Muslim faithful for Hajj as a fulfillment of the state’s commitment to religious obligations. Yet this move has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, health workers, and concerned citizens who argue that the resources could have been better utilized in addressing the state’s crumbling healthcare system.
Just a few months ago, Niger State made national headlines for tragic incidents in its hospitals, particularly the Minna General Hospital and Jummai Babangida Aliyu General Hospital, both of which have suffered from chronic underfunding and frequent power outages.
In December 2024, Minna General Hospital experienced a three-day blackout due to a lack of funds to recharge its prepaid electricity meter. This failure tragically led to the deaths of six newborn babies who relied on powered medical equipment for survival. The hospital’s inability to operate even basic life-saving machines has been widely condemned.
Grief and Outrage from Medical Neglect
The public outrage deepened following a heartbreaking incident at Jummai Babangida Aliyu General Hospital. UB Shehu, a grieving husband, publicly narrated how his wife died during a routine surgical procedure due to a power outage and a failed backup generator. The surgery, which should have lasted no more than 90 minutes, was delayed for several hours due to the hospital’s inability to maintain electricity, ultimately costing her life.
This story resonated across social media, drawing renewed attention to the decaying state of health facilities under Governor Bago’s administration. Critics argue that while billions are being funneled into religious pilgrimages, basic services like maternal care, neonatal support, and emergency interventions are left in disrepair.
Silent Government, Mounting Pressure
When contacted for comments regarding the lavish Hajj expenditure, Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bago, initially stated that he was in a meeting and asked for a text message to be sent instead. As of the time this report was filed, he had neither responded to the message nor returned the call.
This lack of communication has only added to public frustration. Many see it as indicative of a government that is more invested in symbolism and religious visibility than in confronting the real, life-threatening challenges facing its citizens.
A Pattern of Spending?
Governor Bago’s pattern of prioritizing religious sponsorships is not new. In 2024, the Niger State government reportedly spent ₦3.1 billion to fund the pilgrimage of 300 individuals. That budget included ₦2.1 billion allocated for Hajj fees and ₦1 billion specifically for Hadayah (animal sacrifice rituals) for the pilgrims. Even then, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment those pilgrims received, despite the considerable expenditure.
The repetition of such large-scale religious funding, particularly with increased figures in 2025, has raised concerns about fiscal prudence. Observers argue that instead of doubling down on religious commitments through government spending, the administration should redirect funds to critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
Transparency and Equity in Governance Questioned
The state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board has since published the list of all 357 beneficiaries of the 2025 Hajj sponsorship. However, critics have questioned the selection process, calling for a breakdown of the criteria used to determine the recipients and urging greater transparency.
There are also growing calls for the Niger State House of Assembly to open an inquiry into the spending priorities of the executive arm. Civic groups have urged for legislative oversight to prevent further financial decisions that neglect urgent social services.
Balancing Faith and Fiscal Responsibility
While religious pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance, especially for Nigerian Muslims, the debate now centers on whether such undertakings should be prioritized over pressing humanitarian needs. Niger State continues to struggle with widespread poverty, poor road networks, dilapidated school buildings, and an overstretched healthcare system.
Many observers insist that while supporting religious devotion is commendable, it should not come at the cost of citizens’ health and survival. As the state gears up for the Hajj season, public opinion remains divided—between those who view the sponsorship as an important religious duty and those who see it as a misplaced priority at a time of urgent socio-economic needs.
Conclusion: A Wake-up Call?
Governor Bago’s decision to spend over ₦3 billion on pilgrimage funding while hospitals struggle to keep patients alive without electricity or adequate equipment underscores the widening gap between political choices and public welfare. Unless urgently addressed, this misalignment could erode trust in leadership and further worsen living conditions in Niger State.
The growing scrutiny may serve as a wake-up call—not just for Niger State but for other governments across Nigeria—to balance cultural and religious responsibilities with the fundamental obligation to protect and enhance the lives of citizens through investment in essential services.
