In order to save the Plateau State Muslim in what could have been an embarrassment, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has intervened to lay aside Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims the agonies from the shortfall in their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) arising from the vagaries of the foreign exchange rates.
Although NAHCON used N1,252.01 per dollar to calculate hajj fare (BTA inclusive) to give $500 as BTA to each pilgrim, the CBN released BTA at N1,530.86 per dollar, which gives each pilgrim $415 instead of $500.
This situation has thrown Plateau Muslim Pilgrims in to another round of confusion, but in order to ensure that each pilgrim gets $500 at the new exchange rate of N1,530.86 per dollar, the differential to be paid for the state’s 1232 pilgrims is N188,496,00.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in ensuring that the state pilgrims perform their hajj rites without stress, and make them comfortable during the exercise, intervened by paying the BTA differential of N188,496,00. for all the 1232 Plateau Pilgrims for 2024 hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, who confirmed the development to Newsmen on Friday from the Holy Land expressed appreciation to the Governor for the timely intervention and prayed for the continuous success of the “Time Is Now” administration, saying the intervention by Governor Mutfwang will enable them to collect $500 as agreed.
Hon. Dauda, who also confirmed that all the Plateau Muslim Pilgrims have been paid their BTA in addition to a befitting accommodation
disclosed, that this is not the first intervention by Governor Mutfwang, in the course of the 2024 HAJJ Preparation and said the Mulim Umma in the state will forever remain greatful to the Governor for his unwavering Commitment to the welfare of citizens, Peace and Unity of the state with tremendous impact in all critical sectors.
Recall, that Governor Mutfwang, had earlier admonished the Plateau Muslim Pilgrims to be good ambassadors and to Pray for the Peace and Unity of Plateau and Nigeria during a reception to bid them farewell which he personally attended at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
