Hajj Economy Takes Centre Stage as IHR Marks 10th Lecture in Abuja
The Abuja lecture will examine commercial opportunities within the pilgrimage ecosystem and honour individuals and governors recognised for supporting Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) will hold the 10th edition of its annual Hajj Lecture in Abuja on Thursday, August 20, with this year’s programme focusing on business opportunities within the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem and service to pilgrims.
The lecture, themed “Service to the Pilgrims”, will take place at the auditorium of the National Mosque, Abuja, from 10 a.m., according to a statement signed by IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad.
The organisation said the programme would examine the opportunities that exist around the Hajj and Umrah industry, with particular attention to the economic activities and services that support pilgrims before, during and after pilgrimage.
The lecture will be delivered by Aliyu Buhari Ali, Managing Director of Quantum Microfinance Bank Ltd., who previously served as Group Head, SMEs and Financial Inclusion at Jaiz Bank and Government Affairs Manager at Sterling Financial Holdings Company.
The event will also feature the presentation of awards to Hajj administrators and individuals recognised for their contributions to the welfare and service of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj.
State governors who supported the 2026 Hajj will also be recognised as part of the programme.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mahmoud Mariya Bunkure, will serve as Chief Host.
The Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Albalawi, is the Guest of Honour, while the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, will chair the occasion.
The choice of “Exploring Business Opportunities within the Hajj and Umrah Ecosystem” as the lecture topic places the economic dimension of pilgrimage at the centre of this year’s edition.
For an industry involving transportation, accommodation, feeding, financial services, travel management, technology and other forms of pilgrim support, the discussion is expected to examine how businesses and service providers can participate in the wider pilgrimage economy while maintaining the welfare of pilgrims as a central consideration.
The lecture comes shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Hajj season, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the experience of Nigerian pilgrims while considering the opportunities and challenges surrounding the wider Hajj and Umrah sector.
IHR, a registered faith-based civil society organisation involved in reporting on and promoting awareness within the Hajj and Umrah industry, has organised the annual lecture as part of its engagement with stakeholders in the pilgrimage sector.
The 10th edition will therefore combine discussion of the industry’s economic potential with recognition of those whose efforts contributed to the experience of Nigerian pilgrims during the most recent Hajj.
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