Kaduna Pilgrims to Receive 123 Riyals Each
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the refund of 123 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim from the state, following foreign exchange differentials recorded during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, disclosed this on Monday while addressing pilgrims at their Ibrahim Khalil residence in Makkah after the Zuhur (afternoon) prayer.
According to him, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier fixed the Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) for each pilgrim at $500, using an exchange rate of ₦1,443 per dollar.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, noted that the approved BTA amounted to ₦721,500 per pilgrim.
However, Abubakar explained that the value of the naira appreciated before the airlift of pilgrims, with the exchange rate standing at ₦1,350.74 to a dollar at the time.
As a result, the naira equivalent of the $500 BTA dropped to ₦675,370 per pilgrim, creating a foreign exchange differential of ₦46,130 for each beneficiary.
The agency chairman further explained that the balance was subsequently converted using an exchange rate of ₦375 per Saudi Riyal, translating to 123 Saudi Riyals for each pilgrim, with an additional balance of ₦5.
He announced that the refund exercise would commence after the Asr prayer on Monday, beginning with pilgrims who arrived in Saudi Arabia on the first flight from Kaduna State.
Abubakar added that the outstanding ₦5 balance would be paid to pilgrims in Nigeria for those who choose to collect it.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources throughout the Hajj operation.
Meanwhile, Kaduna pilgrims have commended the Malam Salihu S. Abubakar-led Special Hajj Committee for its transparency and dedication to the welfare of pilgrims, describing the refund as a demonstration of responsible leadership and accountability.