In what is now being hailed as a victory for proactive journalism and stakeholder advocacy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reversed its controversial decision to mandate Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) via ATM cards for 2025 Hajj pilgrims—an outcome largely driven by the consistent and relentless reporting of Hajj Reporters.
The initial policy required pilgrims to receive their $500 BTA through specially issued ATM cards, a move the CBN defended as part of its broader financial reforms. However, the policy quickly drew backlash from stakeholders who warned of grave operational and humanitarian implications, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those from rural areas.
It was Hajj Reporters that first broke the story and amplified the voices of concerned pilgrims, Hajj officials, and Islamic scholars, who painted a bleak picture of potential chaos if the policy was not reviewed.
A credible source had confided in Hajj Reporters, revealing:
“We have met with the CBN and they told us the card policy is non-negotiable. They said our only alternative is sourcing dollars from the parallel market. Unless something urgent is done, this could become a serious operational crisis before the first flight on May 6.”
The news outlet promptly launched a sensitization campaign, publishing in-depth stories, interviews, and expert analyses that highlighted the real-world impact of the card-only BTA policy. Concerns raised included: Lack of ATM infrastructure in Makkah and Medina; Financial illiteracy among over 70% of rural pilgrims; Risk of ATM card loss or malfunction in a high-stress travel setting; and Hidden charges that could further erode the $500 allowance.
Public reaction was swift and intense. In a series of follow-up reports, Hajj Reporters documented strong opposition from civil society, pilgrims, and state officials.
Sanusi Adekunle Saheed remarked,
“The policy will intentionally put our citizens in hardship… How can old parents who can’t use ATMs be forced to depend on cards in Saudi Arabia?”
Pilgrims like Alhaji Mustapha Umar added a personal plea:
“Our aged pilgrims already struggle with ATM usage in Nigeria. Expecting them to adapt in Saudi Arabia is unrealistic. We needed the President to step in.”
The Hajj Reporters’ campaign caught the attention of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who swiftly intervened and appealed to the President. After high-level consultations with NAHCON and CBN officials, the apex bank finally approved cash-based BTA for 2025 Hajj pilgrims.
This decision has not only alleviated the anxiety of thousands of intending pilgrims but also reaffirmed the importance of press freedom, investigative journalism, and collaborative governance.
A stakeholder, Abdulrazak from River Pilgrims Board, summed it up best:
“I immediately converted our BTA into dollars when Hajj Reporters broke the news. They’ve done a great service to Nigerian pilgrims.”
By consistently spotlighting the voices of ordinary Nigerians, holding institutions accountable, and pushing for practical solutions, Hajj Reporters has proven once again that the power of the press can shape policy and change lives.
