By Jabiru Hassan
A civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandating the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards for the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.
In a letter dated January 17, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation urged the President to intervene, warning that the policy could expose pilgrims to undue hardship.
IHR noted that about 70 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims are from rural communities with limited access to electronic banking services. The group also raised concerns over language barriers in Saudi Arabia and the risk of transaction failures, which it said could lead to financial losses for pilgrims.
“The policy poses significant risks to our pilgrims, many of whom come from rural communities with limited electronic banking access,” the letter stated.
The organisation called for the suspension of the ATM-only policy for the 2026 Hajj and urged the reinstatement of full cash disbursement through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). It also recommended the convening of relevant stakeholders to design pilgrim-centred reforms.
According to IHR, the policy contradicts the principle of ease in religious obligations and could undermine the dignity of pilgrims if not reviewed.
The group expressed confidence that President Tinubu would act in the interest of pilgrims and national welfare, urging urgent attention to the matter to safeguard Nigeria’s reputation within the global Muslim community.
