As preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise gain momentum, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and airlines to educate intending pilgrims on the use and identification of foreign currencies—particularly the US dollar and Saudi Riyal.
The appeal followed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent approval for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to be disbursed in US dollars for Hajj pilgrims.
Speaking on the development, IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasised the need for comprehensive enlightenment programmes to help intending pilgrims understand the value, exchange rates, and denominations of the currencies they will use while in Saudi Arabia.
“Many Nigerian pilgrims are unfamiliar with foreign currencies, especially the US dollar and Saudi Riyal. Without proper knowledge, they risk being shortchanged during transactions,” Muhammad said.
The group urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, relevant agencies, and commissions to include practical demonstrations of Saudi currency denominations in their orientation sessions.
“This is particularly important when pilgrims are converting their BTA to local currency or making everyday purchases,” he added.
IHR noted that in previous years, some unscrupulous individuals in Saudi Arabia exploited Nigerian pilgrims by offering them unfair exchange rates or incorrect change.
The organisation highlighted that female pilgrims, especially those seeking unregulated dental services in Madinah, were often the most vulnerable.
To minimize financial risks, IHR also encouraged airlines transporting intending pilgrims to include short educational segments on currency use in their in-flight entertainment as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Understanding currency denominations is essential to ensuring pilgrims can recognize the true value of their travel allowance,” the group stated.
According to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the most exchanged currencies during Hajj include the US dollar, Euro, Singapore dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Emirati dirham, and Malaysian ringgit.
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