By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, has disclosed that about N76 million realised from foreign exchange differentials on pilgrims’ Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) has been refunded to Kaduna pilgrims.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said each pilgrim received a refund of 123 Saudi Riyals from the exchange rate differential.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with selected broadcast journalists in Makkah on Thursday, Malam Salihu explained that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had initially pegged the $500 BTA for each pilgrim at N1,443 per dollar, amounting to N721,500 per pilgrim.
He noted, however, that the value of the naira appreciated before the airlift of pilgrims, resulting in a lower exchange rate when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed the BTA.
“By the time the CBN was issuing the BTA to pilgrims, the exchange rate had appreciated to N1,350.74 per dollar,” he said.
According to him, the naira equivalent of the $500 BTA consequently dropped to N675,370 per pilgrim, creating a differential of N46,130 for each pilgrim.
“We immediately informed the pilgrims that each of them was entitled to a refund of 123 Saudi Riyals, and we have completed the disbursement,” he stated.
The agency chairman dismissed suggestions that the funds should have been retained by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to support Hajj operations.
“The money belongs to the pilgrims because it resulted from the difference in exchange rates applied to their Basic Travelling Allowance. It is not the property of the agency,” he said.
Malam Salihu commended Governor Uba Sani for providing the agency with the support needed for a successful Hajj operation, noting that the governor had consistently responded positively to its requests.
He also praised Kaduna pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the pilgrimage and appealed for continued support as preparations begin for their return to Nigeria.
According to him, the return airlift of Kaduna pilgrims is scheduled to commence on June 15 in line with the timetable released by NAHCON.
He explained that the return flights would follow the same sequence as the outbound journey to Saudi Arabia.
“Pilgrims who arrived on the first flight will be the first to return, and the sequence will continue accordingly until the last batch. We will not allow anyone to jump the queue,” he said.
He added that exceptions could only be made in cases of emergencies, such as illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
“In such situations, our officials may forfeit their seats to accommodate affected pilgrims,” he said.
The chairman further advised pilgrims to comply with baggage regulations to avoid delays during the return journey.
He said each pilgrim had been provided with two bags weighing 23 kilograms each and a hand luggage not exceeding eight kilograms.
He also warned against carrying prohibited items, including sharp objects, Zamzam water and other liquids on board aircraft.
