 plan to provide ATM/debit cards to Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj){kind=link}
From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Chairman of the Yobe State Hajj Commission, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Usman Biriri, has raised concerns over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) plan to provide ATM/debit cards to Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj instead of the traditional arrangement of giving pilgrims foreign currency.
Mai Aliyu warned that the proposed system could create difficulties for a significant number of pilgrims, particularly those with limited knowledge of electronic banking and ATM transactions.
The Yobe Hajj Commission chairman spoke in an interview with our correspondent in his office in Damaturu while discussing preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage, following directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to him, although the proposed card system is in line with modern financial practices, inadequate knowledge of its usage could expose some pilgrims to inconvenience, financial losses and possible exploitation while in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “The issue of the ATM cards that the Central Bank is planning to give intending pilgrims could obviously cause difficulties and inconvenience to many of them because most of our pilgrims come from rural areas and may not be familiar with how to use such cards.
“The process of learning how to operate the cards may be difficult for some of them despite the progress that modern technology has brought.”
Mai Aliyu, however, stressed that the proposed arrangement could work effectively if pilgrims were adequately educated before travelling.
He therefore urged officials responsible for collecting pilgrims’ data across the 17 local government areas of the state to intensify awareness campaigns and provide practical guidance on the use of the cards.
He said such training would help pilgrims avoid mistakes, unnecessary losses and falling victim to fraudsters during their stay in the Holy Land.
On preparations for the 2027 Hajj, the chairman disclosed that the commission had commenced registration, data collection and payment processes for intending pilgrims, with arrangements put in place to facilitate the financial and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage.
Reflecting on the just-concluded Hajj operation, Mai Aliyu said pilgrims from Yobe State returned home safely after successfully completing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
He attributed the smooth operation to the cooperation of the pilgrims, officials and the support provided by Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration.
The chairman expressed appreciation to the Yobe State Government for its continued support to the commission, saying the assistance had contributed significantly to the success of the state’s Hajj operations.
He assured intending pilgrims that the commission would continue working to ensure proper coordination and adequate preparation ahead of the 2027 Hajj, while urging prospective pilgrims to complete their registration and payments through the approved channels.
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