Hajj 2025: Cash-Based Travel Allowance Approved For Pilgrims After Shettima’s Intervention

In a significant policy shift, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash for Nigerian pilgrims attending the 2025 Hajj. This move follows Vice President Kashim Shettima’s intervention.

A statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president’s spokesperson, confirmed that the CBN’s decision overturns an earlier mandate requiring pilgrims to use debit cards exclusively for Hajj-related expenses. This policy change comes after considerable concern from pilgrims and tour operators, who highlighted challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited financial literacy.

Following a meeting with the vice president, Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management & Finance at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the approval of cash transactions. Abdulrazaq explained that the meeting, which focused on the government’s policy regarding BTA for the 2025 Hajj, resulted in a positive outcome for pilgrims.

“The Vice President’s intervention was crucial. He invited the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank and made a plea for a more practical solution,” Abdulrazaq said. “Thanks to the Vice President’s efforts, the CBN agreed to allow pilgrims to carry cash instead of relying on a debit card. This is a significant achievement for NAHCON.”

He further explained that cashless transactions presented logistical challenges for many pilgrims. In Saudi Arabia, where the majority of pilgrims go to perform their religious duties, there is often only one ATM at pilgrimage sites, and it tends to be crowded, making it difficult for pilgrims to withdraw money or make purchases. Additionally, most Nigerian pilgrims are peasant farmers with limited experience with electronic payments. Many also struggle to identify foreign currencies, making cash a more practical option for them.

“With the cash now available, we are more confident that Hajj operations will proceed smoothly. The major concern was the BTA, but that issue has now been resolved,” Abdulrazaq added.

NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, emphasized that this decision should not be misunderstood as a subsidy or government concession. “It’s not a subsidy or a federal government intervention. The Vice President’s intervention was made because many pilgrims prefer to make purchases on the streets of Mecca and Medina, and they do not need a debit card to do so,” he explained. “The CBN will provide the cash at the market rate.”

Abba Muhammad Aliyu, Director of Human Resources at the CBN and a board member at NAHCON, elaborated on the decision’s background. “The decision was made with the pilgrims’ welfare in mind, especially considering their limited financial literacy. Many pilgrims struggle to use ATMs, so offering cash is a more suitable solution for them,” he said.

This decision marks a pivotal change in Hajj operations, ensuring smoother financial transactions for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.