By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Chairman of Yobe State Hajj Commission, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Usman Biriri, has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) plan to issue ATM cards to pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj instead of dollars as has been the norm, could cause problems for many pilgrims.
Mai Aliyu disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in his office in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, as preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage as directed by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has commenced.
“He added that this issue that the central bank is planning for ATM cards to intended pilgrims could obviously cause difficulties and inconvenience to many of the pilgrims, because most of them are not exposed to it.
According to him, there is need for the data collectors at the 17 Local Government Areas to step up and educate their pilgrims on how to use the debit card so that they do not suffer losses or fall into the hands of fraudsters in the holy land.
The chairman then explained what transpired during the past Hajj which resulted in the support received from the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
According to him, the state’s pilgrims who travelled to perform the Hajj in Saudi Arabia from Yobe State returned home safely without any injuries or complications.
He added that they have already started collecting payment and data from intending for the 2027 Hajj through the designated means.
He also commended Yobe State for the support they are providing to ensure that its image is laundered while achieving success.
