The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation, has urged State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to implement a dedicated educational programme to enlighten Nigerian pilgrims on currency denominations in Saudi Arabia, as preparations for Hajj 2025 intensify.
The call follows the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent approval allowing the payment of the Hajj Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash, in United States dollars. In a statement issued by IHR’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation stressed the need to educate pilgrims on exchange rates and the value of different currency denominations, particularly between the US dollar and the Saudi Riyal.
“Many Nigerian pilgrims are unfamiliar with foreign currencies, including the US dollar and Saudi Riyal, and often find it difficult to recognise the value of each denomination without proper guidance,” Muhammad said.
“This is especially crucial during Hajj, when thousands of pilgrims engage in financial transactions,” he added.
IHR emphasised that educating pilgrims about Saudi currency would help them navigate currency exchanges and make purchases without falling victim to exploitation.
The organisation noted that in previous years, some pilgrims had reported being shortchanged by unscrupulous individuals in Saudi Arabia, particularly when exchanging their BTA funds.
It also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by female pilgrims who often seek unregulated dental services upon arrival in Madinah, further exposing them to financial risks.
Furthermore, IHR called on airlines to integrate educational content on currency transactions into their in-flight entertainment systems as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, to help mitigate potential financial losses among intending pilgrims.
“Understanding currency denominations is fundamental for all monetary transactions globally, and it will empower pilgrims to better comprehend the value of their BTA,” the statement concluded.
According to the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia, the most commonly exchanged foreign currencies during Hajj include the US dollar, euro, Singapore dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Emirati dirham, and Malaysian ringgit.
