NAHCON Secures CBN Approval for 2026 Hajj Cash PTA

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf, has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for cash Payment Transaction Authorization (PTA) for the 2026 Hajj. This decision comes after high-level engagements aimed at addressing concerns from intending pilgrims about the feasibility of an immediate switch to a card-based payment system.

The CBN confirmed this approval in a letter signed by the department's currency operations branch manager, emphasizing that cash PTA will be strictly limited to the 2026 Hajj exercise. However, the CBN remains committed to modernizing the financial system and plans to implement a fully digital card-based PTA framework for the 2027 Hajj.

The decision to allow cash PTA aims to restore confidence in the pilgrimage process, particularly among elderly pilgrims who have expressed apprehension about transitioning to digital payments. NAHCON will initiate awareness campaigns to prepare pilgrims for the eventual shift to electronic payment systems by 2027.