NAHCON secures CBN approval for 2026 cash PTA 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the use of cash-based Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj, offering a one-year reprieve from its planned transition to a fully electronic payment system.

The approval followed high-level engagement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), by the commission chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, who strives to address mounting concerns among intending pilgrims and key stakeholders over the feasibility of an immediate switch to a card-based regime.

In a letter signed by the Department of Currency Operations and Branch Management, the CBN confirmed it had “graciously granted approval for payment of cash as PTA for the 2026 pilgrimage,” adding that the concession is strictly limited to this year’s Hajj exercise.

The apex bank, however, reaffirmed its commitment to financial system modernisation, stating that a fully digital, card-based PTA framework will be implemented from the 2027 Hajj operations. It also directed NAHCON to commence aggressive sensitisation of pilgrims on electronic payment channels ahead of the transition.

The development has been widely welcomed by the stakeholders in the hajj exercise, particularly by intending pilgrims, many of whom had expressed apprehension over the readiness of digital payment systems for a religious exercise of such scale and sensitivity.

Investigations revealed that concerns had centred on issues of digital literacy, especially among elderly pilgrims, as well as fears of system failures, card loss and limited technical support in Saudi Arabia during peak pilgrimage periods.

For many, the approval of cash PTA restores a measure of confidence and predictability to the pilgrimage process.

A senior official at a state pilgrims’ welfare board, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the decision would “prevent avoidable confusion and operational bottlenecks,” noting that a sudden transition to a cashless system could have disrupted travel arrangements and undermined the overall Hajj experience.

Financial analysts, however, view the CBN’s decision as a tactical adjustment rather than a policy retreat.

Industry observers say this will require a multi-layered strategy, including public enlightenment campaigns, collaboration with financial institutions, and the introduction of pilot schemes to familiarise pilgrims with card usage ahead of 2027. There are also calls for the deployment of technical support teams in Saudi Arabia to assist Nigerian pilgrims in navigating digital payment platforms when the system becomes fully operational.