As the first batch of 428 Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State leaves today for Saudi Arabia aboard FlyNas from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA) in Birnin Kebbi, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been urged to halt issuing pilgrims’ Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) through payment cards.
A faith-based civil society organisation which monitors and reports hajj activities, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), gave the advice in a statement issued yesterday by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed.
A few hours to the commencement of airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj exercise, the CBN was said to have directed commercial banks to pay pilgrims only $200 in cash out of the $500 each pilgrim is entitled to receive while the remaining $300 will be given on a payment card.
The IHR said the apex bank’s directive to the banks will subject the pilgrims to further challenges after going through a lot of uncertainties in the course of their spiritual journey to the holy land.
A total of 65,047 Nigerian pilgrims from both public and private sectors are expected to perform this year’s Hajj exercise.
“This year’s intended pilgrims have already gone through a lot of uncertainties, ranging from forex policy induced rise in Hajj fare to reduction in BTA. This decision by the apex bank will only add to their woes, “ IHR said.
“It is common knowledge that most of our pilgrims come from the rural areas and are not familiar with virtual financial transactions, most do not even know how to use an ATM card. Also, most ATM machines
in Saudi Arabia are configured in Arabic which poses more challenges to even those who are well acquainted with E-transaction.
“Also, most travelers are often charged very high for using ATM machines in foreign countries, and with a depleted BAT already in place, the use of the cards for withdrawals in Saudi Arabia will only add to the pilgrim’s misery.”
The statement added that most of the pilgrims will also find it difficult to pay for services using the card.
“Purchase of drinking water and other basic necessities will be a problem for the pilgrims this year, if the CBN insists on giving them payment cards. Not forgetting that, it is easier for an average person to guard their cash than a card, therefore, the tendency of pilgrims losing the cards is very high. Government policies should be tailored towards making life easier for the citizen, not complicating it.”
The CSO therefore, urged the CBN to immediately rescind its decision in the interest of the already traumatized Nigerian pilgrims to relieve them of the stress associated with this year’s hajj and allow them to concentrate on performing their hajj rites with peace of mind.
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