By Soliu Oyesiji
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj.
The decision followed an appeal by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which had earlier raised concerns over the apex bank’s plan to introduce a card-based payment system for the pilgrimage.
The development also comes amid concerns expressed by the Independent Hajj Reporters, which highlighted potential challenges pilgrims could face using electronic payment cards in Saudi Arabia.
In a letter dated March 3 and addressed to the NAHCON chairman, the CBN conveyed its approval for cash disbursement, describing it as a one-off arrangement.
The letter, signed by Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Adetona Adedeji, stated that management had “graciously granted approval for payment of cash as PTA for the 2026 pilgrimage,” noting that the approval is strictly limited to this year’s Hajj.
The bank, however, maintained that the card-based system would be implemented from the 2027 Hajj exercise.
It also directed NAHCON to begin sensitising pilgrims on the use of electronic payment channels ahead of the transition.
The approval is expected to provide relief to intending pilgrims and stakeholders who had expressed reservations over the readiness and practicality of the proposed card payment system.
