Hajj 2024: Sanwo-Olu resolves BTA differentials for pilgrims

 governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the payment of the $100 shortfall in the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) of intending pilgrims.

Some intending pilgrims had protested alleged irregularities in the BTA after they were given $400 BTA as against the $500 announced by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

NAHCON had used the N1,252.01 to $1 exchange rate to calculate hajj fares and subsequent $500 BTA to each pilgrim, but the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released BTA at N1,530.86 to $1, which gave each pilgrim $415 instead of $500

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, while addressing reporters during the departure of the fifth and final batch of 256 pilgrims, said Governor Sanwo-Olu approved payment of the $100 shortfall for each pilgrim pending the resolution of the matter by NAHCON and CBN.

Layode hailed Sanwo-Olu for the timely intervention and kindheartedness which, according to him, would help to ease the affairs of pilgrims.

The commissioner assured the pilgrims that the governor would keep his promise of paying for their sacrificial rams, Ihram clothes, and Ziyyarah (visitation) to historical sites both in Makkah and Madinah.

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Layode also admonished them to be cautious of their conduct in the holy land, and avoid anything that could bring the state and county to disrepute.

The airlifting of pilgrims started on May 17, with 425 pilgrims. The second batch of 425 pilgrims was airlifted on May 18, the third batch of 428 pilgrims was airlifted on May 22, and the fourth batch of 312 was airlifted on May 24.