The Borno State government has allocated N521.4 million naira to cover the costs of sacrificial animals, known as Hadya, and to make up for the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differential for pilgrims from the state.
Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, the chairman of the 2024 Amirul Hajj committee, announced the governor’s approval during a media briefing following the committee’s first meeting in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
He stated that this measure is intended to ensure that Borno pilgrims can perform the 2024 Hajj without financial difficulties.
According to Senator Lawan, the allocation was divided into two parts: N261 million naira was set aside for purchasing sacrificial animals, while N260.4 million naira was designated to cover the essential travel allowance differential for the pilgrims.
“The governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has approved the payment for Hadya, which are the sacrificial animals to be purchased as part of religious obligations during Hajj, amounting to N261 million for all pilgrims from the state,” Lawan said.
He emphasized that the Borno State government has consistently supported its citizens embarking on religious pilgrimages, ensuring they are well taken care of throughout their spiritual journeys.
“In addition to this, the Governor also paid N260.4 million to cover the differential caused by a fall in the naira’s value, to balance the BTA of pilgrims and increase it to five hundred dollars per person,” he added.
Initially, each pilgrim was set to receive 415 dollars instead of 500 dollars. The governor’s action has alleviated many financial concerns for pilgrims in the holy land.
Senator Lawan also mentioned that all pilgrims from the state are in good health and ready to begin the Hajj rituals on Friday.
He highlighted that the committee has achieved significant successes in all aspects of the exercise, expressing gratitude to Governor Zulum for his support and the cooperation of the Hajj team members.
