Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has started refunding 123 Saudi Riyals foreign exchange differentials to each of its pilgrims on Monday.

The executive chairman of the agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, explained to the pilgrims how the balance came about in a special announcement after Zuhur or afternoon prayer at their Ibrahim Khalil residence.

According to Malam Salihu, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had pegged the $500 Basic Travelling Allowance of each pilgrim at N1,143 per dollar.

A press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said that Mr Salihu further explained that the total $500 BTA amounted to N721, 500 per pilgrim.

The executive chairman pointed out that the value of the naira had appreciated as at the time of the airlift of pilgrims, adding that the local currency exchanged for N1,350.74 to a dollar.

Malam Salihu further explained that the naira equivalent of $500 BTA then decreased to N675,370 per pilgrim.

He pointed out that the decrease due to forex differentials amounted to N46,130 per pilgrim.

According to Malam Salihu, the pilgrims’ agency subsequently got an exchange rate of ₦375 per Saudi Riyal for the balance.

He explained that the amount translated to 123 Saudi Riyals, which would be refunded to each pilgrim, with an additional balance of ₦5.

The executive chairman explained that the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency would start refunding 123 Saudi Riyals to pilgrims after the Asir (4 p.m.) prayer, beginning on Monday, starting with those who came on the first flight.

He maintained that the remaining ₦5 would be paid to the pilgrims in Nigeria for those who choose to collect it.

Meanwhile, Kaduna pilgrims have praised Malam Salihu S Abubakar-led special Hajj committee for its transparency and accountability in the conduct of hajj in particular and the agency in general.