Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has urged states’ Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards and airlines to educate Nigerians going for this year’s hajj on the use of foreign currencies ahead of the exercise.
In a statement on Friday, Ibrahim Muhammad, national coordinator of IHR, said many pilgrims are not familiar with foreign currencies, making them vulnerable during financial transactions in Saudi Arabia.
“Now that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the payment of 2025 Hajj Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) via cash payment in US dollars, we call on States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and commissions to organise special enlightenment programmes,” the statement reads.
“Most of the Nigerian pilgrims are not conversant with foreign currencies, especially US dollars and Saudi Riyals, and can hardly identify the value of each denomination unless they are properly guided.”
Muhammad explained that Nigerian pilgrims should be shown the Saudi Riyal denominations ahead of the trip to enable them to transact safely and avoid losses.
“This call is important due to past experiences where some dubious Saudi-based individuals shortchanged our dear pilgrims whenever they made purchases or tried to convert their BTA to Saudi Riyals,” he said.
Muhammad added that female pilgrims who patronise unregulated dental services in Madinah shortly after arrival are often more vulnerable to being shortchanged.
The IHR coordinator also appealed to airlines to educate pilgrims on currency handling, using onboard educational systems as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“Understanding denominations is crucial because it serves as the foundation of all monetary transactions worldwide,” Muhammad said.
“It will enable pilgrims to comprehend the value of their BTA and safeguard them from exploitation.”
According to the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia (SAMA), the most-exchanged foreign currencies during Hajj include the US dollar, euro, Singapore dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Emirati dirham and Malaysian ringgit.
Preparations for the 2025 Hajj are currently underway, with thousands of Nigerian pilgrims expected to participate.
This is an AI-assisted report.
Hajj 2025: CSO urges state boards, airlines to educate pilgrims on foreign currency exchange – TheCable
