Hajj Forex Subsidy: Nigerians Slam Buhari, Say His Change Is ‘Utterly Backward’

Nigerians have continued to react to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive to authorized BDCs and banks to sell forex at N197 to the dollar.

Most of those who reacted on twitter described President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress as promising a Change that is ‘utterly backward.’

They queried why the federal government will subsidize forex at a time students studying abroad, those going for medical attention and manufacturing sectors are buying at N387 to N400. See their reactions below:

Federal government subsidizing Hajj is the literal translation of the Nigerian saying; “taking panadol for another man’s headache.”

— Abu Hashim (@zvyyvd) August 5, 2016

Are they going for Hajj or rocks? WHY tf do pilgrims get to pay HALF the exchange rate but someone going for a medical Op. buys at 400!?!

— Mr. Ofili (@CjOfili) August 5, 2016

Subsidised $$ for people going to hajj & Jerusalem,No $$ Subsidy for Students studying abroad,That’s what you get for voting an Illiterate.

— JAGABAN (@UNCLE_AJALA) August 5, 2016

Hajj is NOT compulsory. You go if you can afford it, the government has no business subsidising it!

— Mr Boro. (@iamMrBoro) August 5, 2016

Subsidised $$ for people going to hajj & Jerusalem,No $$ Subsidy for Students studying abroad,That’s what you get for voting an Illiterate.

— JAGABAN (@UNCLE_AJALA) August 5, 2016

Pilgrim buys $1k for 197,000.

Spends $500 during Hajj.

Comes back and changes what’s left to 200,000.

Basically profits from Hajj.

— Èyàn Tranströmer (@MoyoOrims) August 5, 2016

This Hajj matter is the biggest failure of this government. Look at the stupid decision taken in a time like this! I’m hugely disappointed

— Proud Nigerian (@tweetMOPOL) August5, 2016

How to Hammer; Collect subsidized dollars from CBN, go to Hajj, spend a fraction (you’ll be too busy praying anyway) come back sell at N400

— Imoh Umoren (@ImohUmoren) August 5, 2016

Hajj Package; but we had a stranded team, IDP camps have issues, Nigerians are exchanging at 400 to the dollar. Misplaced priorities.

— Tomi Adesina (@tomi_adesina) August5, 2016

No forex for students abroad. No forex for traders/business men. Time for Hajj!!! Oh look!!! Forex for everyone!

— Obumnenyenwa (@The_Nenye) August 5, 2016

Dear President @MBuhari
People are dying of hunger. You haven’t given them food packages you are giving Hajj package pic.twitter.com/RZCn86Mg6l

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) August 5, 2016

If confirmed that Nigeria’s Central Bank’s subsiding dollar @bellow 200 as against 380 4 those going to Hajj then #Nigeria is just a joke.

— Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) August 5, 2016

Small businesses aren’t getting concessions, it’s hajj pilgrims that are….wow? https://t.co/M3FlLDJWdA

— Lanre eLDee Dabiri (@eLDeeTheDon) August 5, 2016

This Hajj matter is the biggest failure of this government. Look at the stupid decision taken in a time like this! I’m hugely disappointed

— Proud Nigerian (@tweetMOPOL) August 5, 2016

ANY ForEx for Athletes to get 2 #Rio2016❌
ANY ForEx to pay for U23 Trip 2 #Rio2016 ❌
Cheap ForEx for Hajj to Mecca ✅ pic.twitter.com/QhOr1z4GRs

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) August 4, 2016

#cbn# buhari #hajj#nigeria#hopelessness# heaven is watching oo

— Amyie Monex (@amyiemon) August 5, 2016

How’ll economy grow wen Buhari / BDCs won’t giv Forex for bizs bt discount for Muslims Hajj,
(Christians).
What a United States of Nigeria?

— Nduka Odo, CCFR (@NdukaOdo) August 5, 2016

Doing the wrong things at the wrong times

Religion has no economic value in Nigeria or any economic importance…. https://t.co/5lGMBLt9jk

—Frank Eze (@fgpfrankie) August 5, 2016

Nigeria’s sending over 50,000 people to hajj @N373 to $1 but cannot sponsor its athletes for #Olympics What wrong? @Buhari #Nigeria #Naija

—Angel Stewart Idowu (@AfrikLover) August5, 2016

@mcgboye did Buhari not say no more sponsorship of government officials to hajj? This feels like indirect sponsorship

— Ogo (@kalaharii) August 5, 2016

@mcgboye did Buhari not say no more sponsorship of government officials to hajj? This feels like indirect sponsorship

— Ogo (@kalaharii) August 5, 2016

@skinnycizzy I’m not in support of that either, religion is personal, if you can’t afford hajj or Jerusalem, please stay at home.

— Omini (@OminiAho) August 5, 2016