By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organization that monitors and advocates for effective Hajj policies in Nigeria, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to exempt intending pilgrims for Hajj 2025 from the new policy mandating the payment of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) via ATM cards.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IHR’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, argued that the policy would create significant hardship and confusion within Nigeria’s Hajj ecosystem.
The organization, which led a similar campaign against ATM-based BTA disbursement during last year’s Hajj, reiterated its stance, stating, “We advise the CBN to exclude Hajj pilgrims from this policy due to the anticipated difficulties our pilgrims will face in Saudi Arabia.”
Before the commencement of the 2024 Hajj airlift, the apex bank informed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state boards, and the Armed Forces that pilgrims’ BTA—set at $500 per person—would be distributed 60% in cash and 40% via ATM cards. Under this arrangement, pilgrims received $200 in cash and $300 on cards.
This decision sparked controversy due to the anticipated challenges Nigerian pilgrims might face using ATM cards in Saudi Arabia. IHR noted that despite these concerns, the CBN has indicated plans to implement the policy for the forthcoming Hajj.
“Firstly, the majority of Nigerian pilgrims come from rural areas and are not familiar with e-payment systems,” Muhammad explained. “They could easily enter the wrong PIN three times, leading to card blockage while in Makkah or Madinah. Who will assist in reactivating these cards when pilgrims should be focusing on performing their rites diligently to attain the reward of Hajj Mabrur?”
IHR further highlighted infrastructural issues, stating that there are fewer than 10 ATM machines in the Misfalah and Shara Mansur areas of Makkah, where 90% of Nigerian pilgrims are accommodated.
The CSO also pointed out additional financial burdens, noting that pilgrims would bear the cost of ATM cards and withdrawal charges, further reducing their $500 BTA.
“There are risks of card loss, theft, and scammers exploiting the busy nature of the Hajj exercise to defraud pilgrims,” the statement warned.
IHR also expressed concerns about potential international transaction issues, citing Nigeria’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). “ATM cards issued by Nigerian banks may be rejected by vendors outside the country,” the organization noted.
Given these challenges, IHR urged the CBN to reconsider and exclude Hajj pilgrims from the ATM card policy to avoid putting them in jeopardy.
