By Olugbenga Salami
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has approved cash disbursement of Basic Travel Allowance, BTA for the 2026 Hajj pilgrims.
This followed the request by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON for waiver after the apex bank proposed a card‑based system.
The development also comes amid concerns expressed by a faith-based civil society organization. the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR 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 the 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.
