By:Aisha Bello
Date:
April 26, 2025
As the countdown to Hajj 2025 begins, a civil society organization has raised an urgent call for Nigerian pilgrims to be thoroughly educated on the value and exchange of foreign currencies, especially the US dollar and Saudi Riyal, to prevent being financially exploited.
With preparations for the 2025 Hajj gaining momentum, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society group, has called on State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and designated airlines to intensify efforts in educating intending pilgrims on foreign currency handling.
This appeal comes on the heels of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent directive to disburse Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims in US dollars.
Ibrahim Muhammad, National Coordinator of IHR, stressed the importance of launching comprehensive enlightenment programs that will guide pilgrims on identifying, valuing, and exchanging foreign currencies—especially the US dollar and Saudi Riyal, which are predominantly used in Saudi Arabia.
“Many Nigerian pilgrims lack proper knowledge of foreign currencies. Without proper orientation, they risk being cheated during transactions,” Muhammad said.
He advised that the pilgrims’ welfare boards and related agencies incorporate practical sessions demonstrating how to recognize Saudi currency denominations during pre-Hajj orientations.
According to IHR, past Hajj experiences have shown that some unscrupulous individuals in Saudi Arabia exploit Nigerian pilgrims by manipulating exchange rates or giving incorrect change. Women, especially those in need of dental services in Madinah, are often the most vulnerable.
To address this, IHR is also urging airlines responsible for transporting pilgrims to include short educational content on currency identification in their in-flight programs, as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“Knowing how to handle currency empowers pilgrims to manage their finances wisely and avoid scams,” the group emphasized.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) recently listed the most traded currencies during Hajj, which include the US dollar, Euro, Singapore dollar, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Emirati dirham, and Malaysian ringgit.
With a significant number of Nigerians preparing for this sacred journey, IHR believes that proper currency orientation is a key step towards ensuring a safer and stress-free Hajj experience.
Planning to embark on Hajj 2025? Ensure you’re well-informed about the currency you’ll be using. Stay updated with NIGPOST for more Hajj tips and important travel updates.
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