Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved payment of $100 shortfall in Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) of pilgrims.
Some had protested alleged irregularities in BTA after they were given $400 as against $500 announced by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
NAHCON calculated hajj fares and $500 BTA using N1,252.01 to $1 exchange rate, but Central Bank released BTA at N1,530.86 to $1, which gave each pilgrim $415.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, told reporters at the departure of 256 pilgrims, Sanwo-Olu okayed the $100 shortfall for each pilgrim pending resolution of the matter by NAHCON and CBN.
Layode hailed Sanwo-Olu’s kindheartedness which, he said, would help pilgrims.
The commissioner assured pilgrims the governor will pay for their rams, Ihram clothes and ziyyarah (visitation) to sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Layode urged them not to bring the state and country to disrepute.
Pilgrims started travelling on 17 May, with 425. The second 425, 18 May 18; the third 428, 22 May 22; and the fourth 312, 24 May 24; bringing the total to 1,846.
