The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has taken another major step towards strengthening the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four participating financial institutions: The Alternative Bank, Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, and TAJ Bank.
The MoU signing was announced in a press statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the NAHCON Chairman.
According to the statement, “Under the new partnership, the banks are mandated to launch user-friendly pilgrims’ registration portals and manage HSS funds strictly in line with Islamic finance principles. Each bank will also develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap designed to ensure transparency, protect pilgrims’ interests, and expand nationwide access to the scheme.”
Speaking at the event, the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, explained that the HSS offers a structured pathway for Nigerians to plan early for Hajj, noting that many prospective pilgrims are willing to enrol but are constrained by limited awareness.
He stated that NAHCON, working with the banks, will intensify sensitisation efforts through the Ulama, traditional media, and digital platforms to improve public understanding of the long-term benefits of the scheme.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Abdulrazaq Aliu, congratulated the partner banks, stressing that they were selected based on their proven capacity to deliver.
He underscored the need for a performance review matrix and periodic assessments to track progress and evaluate the scheme’s impact. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to providing the platform, guidelines, and regulatory support required for the success of the HSS.
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In his remarks, the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the scheme as a lifeline for Hajj operations, especially in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
He warned that Nigeria could no longer rely on traditional planning methods and expect to align with Saudi Arabia’s evolving Hajj framework. He expressed confidence that with the HSS, Nigeria would be able to present readily registered pilgrims whenever data is required.
With the signing of the MoU, the partner banks are now formally authorised to deploy their digital platforms for the enrolment of intending pilgrims and to invest pilgrims’ savings in approved halal ventures. Each of the institutions had earlier demonstrated prototype portals to NAHCON.
Speaking on behalf of the banks, Dr Haruna Musa expressed appreciation to NAHCON and pledged a strong commitment to the success of the scheme. He promised to leverage technology for public awareness while incorporating traditional sensitisation methods. Dr Musa assured that with a successful HSS, Hajj would become “a whole new experience” for Nigerian pilgrims.
Those present at the signing ceremony included Malam Garba Mohammed and Mohammed Abdul for The Alternative Bank; Dr Haruna Musa, Managing Director, and Alhassan Abdulkareem for Jaiz Bank; Akin Adekoke for Lotus Bank; and Alhaji Hameed Joda, Managing Director, for TAJ Bank.