The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advocated for an improved Hajj Savings Scheme for easy access to seats.
A delegation from the Commission stressed the need when they visited Chairman Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency in his office.
Leader of the delegation, Halidu Awal Kazaure, said the scheme was a fantastic initiative that paves the way for Muslims to save for Hajj expenses over time.
According to him, the initiative is a collaboration between NAHCON and several banks including Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank.
This partnership allows individuals to deposit funds gradually until they reach the required amount for Hajj.
In a statement by the Agency’s Head of Information and Communication, Faruku Umar, he highlighted some features of the Scheme as:
1. Queue-based system: First-come, first-served basis
2. Mudaraba principle: Islamic principle of partnership, with profits shared between the bank and depositor
3. Eligibility: Open to all Muslims, regardless of age or social status
4. Deposit options: Over-the-counter, electronic channels, or agency banking
5. Profit sharing: Profits shared between bank and depositor based on a pre-agreed ratio
6. Withdrawal: Depositors can withdraw funds, but this may affect Hajj eligibility
He further noted that the initiative was also aimed at making Hajj more accessible and affordable for Nigerian Muslims, especially those with limited financial resources.
“By providing a structured savings plan, individuals can plan and prepare for Hajj expenses over time,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, commended the NAHCON management for the initiative.
He said the scheme when successfully implemented, will go a long way in assisting intending pilgrims not only in Sokoto but in the country at large.
Aliyu Musa called on people to embrace the scheme and assured that the agency would employ more strategies to ensure proper implementation of the programme.
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