Hajj 2024: Zulum Approves N521.4m For Borno Pilgrims

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved N521.4 million in cash assistance for 2024 Borno pilgrims who are currently in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Kaka Shehu Lawan, Chairman of Borno’s 2024 Amirul Hajj Committee and Senator representing Borno Central, made the announcement on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.

Senator Kaka Shehu stated that the N521.4 million was intended to cover the costs of (Hadaya), an animal sacrifice required of all Muslim pilgrims, as well as the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) differential.

The senator explained that 261 million naira was allocated for the purchase of sacrificial animals, while 260.4 million naira was set aside as a basic travel allowance differential for pilgrims.

He stated that “the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has approved the payment of Hadaya, sacrificial animals to be purchased as religious obligations during Hajj, to all pilgrims from the state totaling N261 million.”

Senator Kaka Shehu also stated that the initial arrangement was for each pilgrim to receive $415 rather than $500.

“In addition, the governor paid N260.4 million to pay the differential as a result of the naira’s fall to balance the BTA of pilgrims to round it up to five hundred dollars per person,” he said.

He stated that the Borno State government has consistently supported its citizens on religious pilgrimages.

Senator Kaka Shehu also stated that all pilgrims from the state are healthy and prepared to begin the Hajj rituals on Friday.

The senator maintained that the committee had achieved tremendous success in all aspects of the exercise, and thanked Governor Babagana Zulum for his support and cooperation with Hajj team members.