The Central Bank of Nigeria has declined to approve the disbursement of the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj, insisting that the allowance will only be issued through payment cards.
Hajj Reporters learnt from highly placed sources that the apex bank has maintained its position despite appeals from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for cash-based BTA payments. According to the sources, NAHCON formally requested that the BTA be released in cash, but the CBN responded that the allowance would only be provided via cards.
The development comes amid concerns that the CBN has already deducted about N5billion as service charges, representing two per cent of over N200 billion reportedly transferred through the bank for 2026 Hajj-related transactions to Saudi Arabia.
A source familiar with the process expressed concern over the policy, noting that more than 70 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims come from rural communities and are not accustomed to using Automated Teller Machines or electronic payment systems. The source added that deploying card-based BTA for pilgrims expected to operate in a foreign environment could expose them to significant difficulties.
Civil society group, Independent Hajj Reporters, recalled that it raised similar objections during the 2025 Hajj, warning that many pilgrims lack familiarity with electronic transactions and ATM usage. The group noted that most ATM machines in Saudi Arabia are configured in Arabic, posing additional challenges even for pilgrims with basic knowledge of electronic banking.
Independent Hajj Reporters also warned that foreign ATM withdrawals often attract high charges, which could further deplete pilgrims’ already limited BTA. The group added that access to ATM machines is limited in areas such as Misfalah, Kudai and Shahrah Mansur, where many Nigerian pilgrims are usually accommodated.
According to the organisation, the policy could make it difficult for pilgrims to purchase drinking water and other basic necessities, while increasing the risk of card loss or misuse. It argued that cash is easier for pilgrims to safeguard than cards and urged the CBN to reconsider the policy.
The group called on the apex bank to immediately reverse its decision and approve cash-based BTA payments, stressing that government policies should ease the burden on pilgrims and allow them to focus on their religious obligations with peace of mind.
Effort to get response of CBN proved abortive as text messages send remains unreply as the time of publishing this story.
