Hajj 2026: Group Raises Alarm Over ATM Card Policy, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive on the use of ATM cards for the payment of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj.

The appeal was contained in a petition dated January 17, 2026, and signed by the organisation’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad. The group expressed concern that the policy could create serious challenges for pilgrims, most of whom are not familiar with electronic banking systems.

IHR disclosed that nearly 70 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims come from rural areas where access to banking infrastructure remains limited, warning that ATM malfunctions, language barriers and card-related fraud in Saudi Arabia could negatively affect pilgrims.

“The policy poses significant risks to our pilgrims, many of whom come from rural communities with limited electronic banking access,” the organisation said.

The civil society group urged the President to direct the suspension of the policy for the 2026 Hajj, restore cash disbursement through NAHCON, and convene a stakeholders’ meeting to develop more inclusive and pilgrim-friendly reforms.

It also cautioned that failure to review the policy could damage Nigeria’s image in the global Muslim community and compromise the comfort and dignity of pilgrims.