NAHCON, Four Banks Seal Pact to Revamp Hajj Savings Scheme
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NAHCON, Four Banks Seal Pact to Revamp Hajj Savings Scheme
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed a fresh agreement with four Islamic financial institutions in a renewed push to reposition the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) and modernise the country’s Hajj operations.
The Alternative Bank, Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank and TAJ Bank formally entered into the partnership after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Under the pact, the banks are to deploy simplified digital registration portals for intending pilgrims, manage HSS deposits strictly within Islamic finance regulations and roll out detailed implementation plans that guarantee transparency and accountability.
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NAHCON Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said the HSS remains a key pathway for Nigerians to plan ahead for Hajj without financial pressure.
He noted that although interest in the scheme is rising, public awareness is still low.
“We are working with our partner banks to deepen sensitisation through the Ulama, traditional institutions and digital platforms. Many Muslims want to save for Hajj, but they need to understand how the scheme works,” he said.
The Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, Prince Abdulrazaq Aliu, said the banks were selected based on proven capacity and experience.
He called for periodic assessments to track performance and ensure the scheme delivers on its objectives.
On his part, the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 demands a modern approach to Hajj planning.
He described the HSS as the “lifeline” of future Hajj operations, saying Nigeria must provide pre-registered pilgrims whenever required.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Prof Abubakar Yagawal, expressed strong optimism, saying the rejuvenated scheme had already addressed “99.9 percent” of Nigeria’s Hajj challenges.
By virtue of the MoU, the banks are now authorised to launch their digital platforms for enrollment and invest pilgrims’ deposits in halal-certified ventures.
INCNews247 learnt the prototypes of the portals had earlier been demonstrated to NAHCON.
Representatives at the ceremony included Malam Garba Mohammed and Mohammed Abdul (The Alternative Bank); Dr Haruna Musa and Alhassan Abdulkareem (Jaiz Bank); Akin Adekoke (Lotus Bank); and Alhaji Hameed Joda (TAJ Bank).
Speaking on behalf of the banks, Dr Musa assured NAHCON of their commitment to the success of the scheme, adding that technology and traditional outreach would be deployed to drive awareness.
