Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Saleh Usman Abdullahi, has stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together in developing resilient and sustainable financial models for Hajj operations.
He said this will guarantee affordability, efficiency and integrity in the Hajj sector.
Prof. Saleh made the remarks during his opening address at the 2nd National Hajj Summit held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday, April 30.
The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima (represented by Barr. Bashir Maidugu), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, among others.
Speaking at the summit, the NAHCON boss said the Hajj industry faces increasing pressures, from fluctuating foreign exchange rates and rising service costs to evolving regulatory landscapes.
“These challenges have made the pilgrimage increasingly expensive for our Nigerian brothers and sisters. Therefore, developing resilient and sustainable financial models is no longer an option but a necessity to guarantee affordability, efficiency and integrity in Hajj operations,” he said.
Prof. Saleh revealed that NAHCON has recorded a significant milestone in its sustainability drive with the successful onboarding of three additional partner banks into the Hajj Savings Scheme.
These banks are the Alternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank.
“These institutions bring with them innovative, ethical, and non-interest financial solutions tailored to the needs of intending pilgrims. Their inclusion reinforce our Hajj Savings Scheme, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to plan their pilgrimage with convenience, foresight, and financial discipline,” Prof. Saleh remarked.
He added that the inclusion of the new non-interest banks will widen the reach of the Hajj Savings Scheme and lay a strong foundation for a sustainable Hajj financing model.
The NAHCON chair lauded the participation of the invited speakers, noting they are experienced experts.
He expressed confidence that the summit would provide practical administrative and operational frameworks for Hajj financing in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Prof. Saleh confirmed the full preparedness of NAHCON for the upcoming 2025 Hajj.
He said the Federal Government has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators.
“We are united in our commitment to provide effective and efficient services to the respected guests of Allah (Duyufur-Rahman), thereby reinforcing the renewed hope for Nigerian pilgrims.”
Muslim News had earlier reported that the inaugural flight for Nigerian pilgrims is scheduled for May 9th, 2025.
The Chairman thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their continuous support and timely interventions in resolving the challenges of this year’s Hajj.
He noted that the significant provision of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash will provide great relief to pilgrims, operators and the regulator.
He also extended appreciation to Jaiz Bank and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) for their collaboration in holding the summit, just as he thanked other non-interest banks participating in the event.
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