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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The hajj and the Nigerian economy 1960-1981 |
Author: | Tangban, O.E. |
Year: | 1991 |
Periodical: | Journal of Religion in Africa |
Volume: | 21 |
Issue: | 3 |
Period: | August |
Pages: | 241-255 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | Islam pilgrimages economic conditions Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Economics and Trade economics pilgrimage |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1580824.pdf |
Abstract: | This paper focuses on the extent of government involvement in the hajj operations in Nigeria and the impact of the hajj itself on the economy of the nation in the period 1960-1981. Government involvement in the hajj operations increased over the years, culminating in the creation of the Nigerian National Pilgrims Welfare Board in 1975. This Board was not self-sustaining but depended on grants from the government. Yet, both the human and material resources of the Board were effectively utilized only during the hajj season which spanned a period of six months each year. The hajj entailed an economic drain for the Nigerian economy. This drain took many forms including loyalty and 'mutawwifs' fees paid by the Nigerian pilgrims to the government of Saudi Arabia, repatriation of destitute pilgrims from Saudi Arabia at government expense up to 1975, the Basic Travelling Allowance granted to pilgrims, and grants for the upkeep of the National Pilgrims Welfare Board. On the other hand, the hajj served as a stimulation to economic activities at certain periods of the year. The transport, leather, textile and food sectors enjoyed much patronage from intending pilgrims during the hajj season. Associated with the hajj was the incidence of dangerous drug trafficking by some pilgrims with unpleasant implications for Nigeria's image. The author wonders whether continued financial commitments by the government to the hajj is economically wise. Notes, ref. |