The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the disbursement of 123 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim as a refund for foreign exchange differentials. The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, after the Zuhur prayer at the Ibrahim Khalil residence.
According to Malam Salihu, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) initially set the Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) at $500 per pilgrim, with an exchange rate of N1,143 per dollar. This resulted in a total payment of N721,500 per pilgrim. However, the naira appreciated by the time pilgrims were airlifted, with the exchange rate dropping to N1,350.74 per dollar. Consequently, the naira equivalent of the $500 BTA decreased to N675,370 per pilgrim, creating a difference of N46,130 per pilgrim.
The agency then converted this balance at an exchange rate of N375 per Saudi Riyal, yielding 123 Riyals per pilgrim, plus an additional N5. The refund process began after the Asr prayer on Monday, starting with pilgrims from the first flight. The remaining N5 will be paid to those who wish to collect it upon their return to Nigeria.
Pilgrims have expressed appreciation for the transparency and accountability demonstrated by the Malam Salihu-led Special Hajj Committee in managing the pilgrimage and the agency’s operations.