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Hajj 2024: Stop issuing pilgrims BTA on payment cards’- CSO advises CBN
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have been advised to shelve the idea of issuing pilgrims Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) through payment cards.
The advice was given Tuesday by Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) in a statement by its national coordinator Ibrahim Mohammed.
IHR said with less than 24 hours to the commencement of airlift of pilgrims to the holy land, the CBN was said to have directed some commercial Banks to pay pilgrims only $200 in cash out of the $500 each pilgrim is expected to receive while the remaining $300 will be given on a payment card.
This year’s intending pilgrims have already gone through a lot of uncertainties ranging from forex policy induced rise in Hajj fare to reduction in BTA. This decision by the apex bank will only add to their woes “
It is common knowledge that most of our pilgrims come from the rural areas and are not familiar with virtual financial transactions, most do not even know how to use an ATM card. Also, most ATM machines in Saudi Arabia are configured in Arabic which poses more challenges to even those who are well acquainted with E-transaction.
Also, most tavellers are often charged very high for using ATM machines in foreign countries, and with a depleted BAT already in place, the use of the cards for withdrawals in Saudi Arabia will only add to pilgrims misery,”IHR said.
The CSO also stated that there were very few ATM machines available around the Misfalah/Kudai and Shahrah Mansur areas where most Nigerian pilgrims stay, this lack of access will also be a serious problem. About 75 percent of Nigerian pilgrims are first timers who mostly finds it difficult to locate their accommodations in Makkah due to heavy traffic and unique nature of the buildings – how will they locate an ATM Machine in such situation?
The statement added that most of the pilgrims will also find it difficult to pay for services using the card.
Purchase of drinking water and other basic necessities will be a problem for the pilgrims this year, if the CBN insist on giving them payment cards. Not forgetting that, it is easier for an average person to guard their cash than a card,therefore, the tendency of pilgrims losing the cards are very high. Government policies should be tailored towards making life easier for the citizen not complicating it.
We therefore, urge the CBN to immediately rescind the decision and pay the pilgrims in cash, that is what will help them and relieve them of the stress associated with years hajj and allow them to concentrates on performing their hajj rites with relative peace of minds.IHR added.
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
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