Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a registered Civil Society Organization (CSO) advocating for better Hajj policies, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to exclude Hajj 2025 intending pilgrims from the newly introduced policy that mandates Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments via ATM cards.
In a statement released on Wednesday, IHR’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, expressed concerns that the policy would create significant hardship and confusion in the Hajj ecosystem.
The CSO had previously campaigned against the use of ATM cards for BTA distribution during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
“We advise the CBN to exclude Hajj pilgrims from this policy due to the anticipated challenges Nigerian pilgrims will face in Saudi Arabia,” said Muhammad.
He emphasized that the majority of Nigerian pilgrims come from rural areas where e-payment systems are unfamiliar, increasing the risk of errors and complications while abroad.
Ahead of the 2024 Hajj airlift, CBN announced that the BTA for each pilgrim, pegged at $500, would be disbursed in a 60/40% ratio—$200 in cash and $300 on ATM cards.
IHR raised several concerns, noting that many pilgrims may struggle to use their ATM cards correctly, leading to potential blockages after entering incorrect PINs.
“Who will reactivate the cards while pilgrims are focused on fulfilling their Hajj rites?” the CSO questioned.
The CSO also said the limited availability of ATMs in areas such as Misfala and Shara Mansur in Makkah, where 90% of Nigerian pilgrims stay. With fewer than 10 ATMs in these areas, IHR noted that pilgrims could face difficulties accessing their funds and incur additional costs for withdrawals, depleting their BTA allowance.
Further compounding the issue, IHR warned of the risks associated with losing ATM cards or falling victim to scams, particularly during the hectic.
