By Ibrahim Muhammad Kano
Again, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has released a total sum of N376 million to supplement the shortfall in Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for state intending pilgrims.
The Governor has also announced the appointment of deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam as head of government delegation and Amir Hajj for 2024 pilgrimage.
Gov. Yusuf’s intervention was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
According to the release, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had announced a BTA of $500 per pilgrim, based on official exchange rate of N1,250 to a dollar.
However, the volatility of the foreign exchange rate further weakened the Nigeria currency thereby pushing the exchange rate to over N1,500 to dollar.
Governor Yusuf, who spoke during the annual hajj demonstration exercise on Monday, highlighted that the initial BTA rate would have left each pilgrim short by $121,000.
The Governor said to rectify the inconsistency, the state government has approved a supplementary funds to argument the 3,100 state pilgrims with N121,000 each totaling N376,310,000.
He said the additional support was to enable the pilgrims’ with comfort and smooth performance of the Hajj rites.
He assured that the Deputy Governor would oversee the welfare of the pilgrims comprehensively, including provisions for food, lodging, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities.
Recall that Governor Yusuf had released N500 million in April, to subsidize the sudden notice of hajj fare increase of N1.9 million by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Acknowledging the vital role of security agencies and NAHCON in Kano’s Hajj operations, Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude for their assistance.
