The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the use of cash for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for Nigerian pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj, following a significant intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima. This decision comes after concerns about the practicality of using debit cards for transactions in Saudi Arabia, where only limited ATMs are available.
The announcement was made by Aliu Abdulrazaq, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance, who confirmed the change during a briefing after a meeting with the Vice President at the State House in Abuja. The decision will benefit over 40,000 Nigerians planning to undertake the pilgrimage.
Why the CBN Shifted from Cards to Cash for Pilgrims
Earlier, the Nigerian government had planned to issue debit cards for BTA transactions, a system that raised concerns among many intending pilgrims. With limited access to ATMs in key areas of Mecca and Medina and the challenges posed by electronic payments, especially for rural farmers, the new cash policy is a welcomed relief. Abdulrazaq explained that most Nigerian pilgrims are peasant farmers who struggle with electronic payments and have difficulty using ATM machines.
In response to these concerns, Vice President Shettima stepped in, urging the CBN to reconsider the card-based system. Thanks to the intervention, the CBN agreed to allow cash payments, which will help pilgrims perform their religious duties without hassle.
A Step Towards Seamless Hajj Operations
The shift to cash transactions means that Nigerian pilgrims will be able to carry the familiar currency they are used to, making it easier for them to purchase goods and services in Saudi Arabia. According to NAHCON Secretary Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, this change is not a government subsidy or concession, but a necessary adjustment to ensure smooth operations for pilgrims.
CBN’s Director of Human Resources, Abba Muhammad Aliyu, also emphasized that the decision to allow cash was made with the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in mind. Many pilgrims are not familiar with ATM operations, and allowing them to carry cash will alleviate potential problems during the pilgrimage.
What This Means for the 2025 Hajj
The new policy will ensure that Nigerian pilgrims have access to their funds without the complications of using cards, especially given the limited ATM availability in Saudi Arabia. The CBN has pledged to provide cash at market rates, making sure pilgrims can access their funds easily.
Earlier this year, the CBN had introduced a system requiring pilgrims to open BTA-linked bank accounts and use ATM cards for transactions. However, concerns that this system would complicate the Hajj experience led to the shift to cash, ensuring that the pilgrimage will proceed smoothly.
Looking Ahead: Improving Pilgrimage Planning
This decision marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. With this new policy, the government hopes to make the pilgrimage process more accessible and stress-free for the many Nigerians who depend on cash transactions for their daily lives.
