Relief for Pilgrims as CBN Approves Cash-Based BTA for 2025 Hajj Exercise
In a major shift from its earlier policy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash to Nigerian pilgrims embarking on the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
This decision comes after Vice-President Kashim Shettima intervened on behalf of over 40,000 intending pilgrims, following appeals from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The initial policy had proposed a card-only payment system for pilgrims, raising widespread concern due to the limited availability of ATMs near holy sites and the low digital literacy of many pilgrims.
Speaking to journalists after a crucial meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Aliu Abdulrazaq, described the outcome as a “landmark achievement” that would ease financial transactions for Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj.
“We’ve had several meetings on this matter. The vice-president stepped in and appealed directly to the CBN. As a result, the bank agreed to drop the card-only policy and approved the use of cash for the 2025 Hajj,” Abdulrazaq stated.
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He explained that the change was necessary because most Nigerian pilgrims are rural dwellers with limited access to or understanding of electronic banking systems. “In Mecca, especially around the ritual sites, there is only one ATM and it’s always congested. That’s a big issue for our pilgrims,” he said.
NAHCON Secretary Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali clarified that the cash-based system should not be mistaken for a government subsidy or financial concession. “This is not a handout. It’s simply a more practical mode of payment. Pilgrims can now carry cash and transact freely, especially in places where card usage is impractical,” he said.
Backing this position, CBN Board member and Director of Human Resources, Abba Muhammad Aliyu, said the bank’s decision was driven by compassion and realism. “The financial literacy level of many pilgrims informed our decision. We realized that insisting on debit cards could create unnecessary hardship,” Aliyu noted.
Earlier this year, the CBN had proposed a digital-only system, requiring all intending pilgrims to open BTA-linked bank accounts and use ATM cards during their stay in Saudi Arabia. However, the system faced criticism for its potential to complicate pilgrims’ experiences, especially for those unfamiliar with digital banking tools.
With this latest decision, NAHCON expressed renewed confidence in the seamless execution of the 2025 Hajj operations, noting that all other logistical arrangements remain on track.
By PRNigeria
