Presidency defends special dollar exchange rate for Hajj pilgrims

News Express |5th Aug 2016 | 5,468
Presidency defends special dollar exchange rate for Hajj pilgrims

The Presidency on Friday night responded to scathing criticisms of its decision to make the American dollar available to 2016 Hajj pilgrims at a concessionary rate of N197 to a dollar.

A short statement issued last night by Senior Special Assistant to the President Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “The exchange rate of N197:00 to a Dollar was approved by the President about three months ago, much earlier than the new FOREX regime came into being.

“The Chairman of the Hajj Commission has confirmed that it is non-discriminatory.

“It was approved for Christian and Muslim pilgrimages for this year. The CBN has offered an explanation.”

•Photo shows Garba Shehu.

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