Hajj 2026: How we disbursed N76m to pilgrims ― Kaduna agency chairman

The Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Salihu Abubakar, has revealed that N76 million was generated from the foreign exchange differentials of pilgrims’ Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA).

Abubakar said the N76 million has been disbursed to pilgrims from Kaduna State, with each pilgrim receiving 123 Saudi Riyals as refunds.

The chairman disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Makkah on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Abubakar said the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier pegged the $500 Basic Traveling Allowance of each pilgrim at N1,143 per dollar, amounting to N721,500 per pilgrim.

“However, the value of naira appreciated as at the time of the airlift of pilgrims. When the CBN was giving pilgrims their BTAs, naira exchanged for N1,350.74 to a dollar,” Abubakar was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Friday by Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa.

Abubakar further explained that the naira equivalent of $500 BTA thereafter decreased to N675,370 per pilgrim, adding that the forex differentials amounted to N46,130 per pilgrim.

“We then wasted no time in announcing to the pilgrims that each of them was entitled to a refund of 123 Saudi Riyals. And we have finished disbursing the money,” he added.

The chairman faulted suggesstions that the money should have been channelled to the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, to facilitate Hajj operations.

Kaduna pilgrims praise Uba Sani for visit, support during Hajj

He argued that the money emerged from the difference in exchange rates of the pilgrims’ BTA, stressing that it rightly belonged to the pilgrims and not the agency.

Abubakar also commended Governor Sani for giving the agency all the necessary support to succeed, adding that he has always acceded to the agency’s demands.

Abubakar, who equally praised the Kaduna State pilgrims for giving pilgrim officials all the required support, urged them to lend the same support ahead of the outbound journey.

According to him, the airlift of Kaduna pilgrims will commence on June 15, adding that the return journey will follow the same sequence as the airlift to Saudi Arabia.

Abubakar stated: “Those who came on the first flight will be the first set of pilgrims that will be airlifted back home and the sequence will continue like this till the fifth flight. We will not allow people to jump queue.

“However, allowances can be made for unforeseen circumstances like a pilgrim who suddenly falls sick or some kind of emergency. In that situation, it is our officials who will forfeit his or her seat for the pilgrim.”

The chairman further warned pilgrims against excess luggage, stressing that non-adherence to the prescribed kilograms will delay their return journey from Saudi Arabia.

He said all pilgrims have been given two 23-kilogram bags and are allowed a hand luggage that should not exceed eight kilograms, adding that they should not carry any sharp object, water, or any liquid on board the aircraft.