Jigawa Pilgrims Board Trains Officials on Dollar Debit Card System Ahead of 2027 Hajj

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has launched a specialized capacity-building initiative for its zonal officers to facilitate the adoption of dollar debit cards ahead of the 2027 Hajj operations.

The program comes in response to new financial regulations issued by Saudi Arabian authorities and mandated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which require state pilgrims’ boards to transition from cash transactions to electronic dollar debit systems for pilgrims.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Dutse, the board’s Director-General, Ahmad Labbo, emphasized that early preparation is crucial to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience. Organized in collaboration with Guaranty Trust Bank, the training aims to equip field officers with the technical skills needed to assist intending pilgrims in navigating the digital payment process.

“Early preparation is very important to ensure efficiency and guarantee a successful Hajj operation,” Labbo said. “The new regulations from Saudi Arabia make it compulsory for all states to adopt the dollar debit card for pilgrims’ transactions.”

Participating zonal officers noted that the workshop forms the foundation for a broader sensitization campaign across Jigawa’s local government areas. Officials highlighted that transitioning to electronic payment methods will significantly mitigate cash-handling risks and streamline financial operations for pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.