Efforts by Governor Abiodun to Address BTA Discrepancies for Ogun Muslim Pilgrims
Amidst concerns among Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has taken steps to alleviate the shortfall in their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) caused by unexpected fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) used a rate of 1,252.01 per dollar to calculate the Hajj fare, including BTA, providing 500 USD per pilgrim. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed BTA at a rate of 1,530.86 per dollar, resulting in each pilgrim receiving 415 USD instead of the proposed 500 USD.
Given this scenario, the Governor intervened to ensure that each pilgrim receives the agreed 500 USD at the new exchange rate, amounting to a total differential payment of N119,560,712.70 for the 934 State pilgrims.
In addressing the shortfall promp...