Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Hajj Industry Set to Overhaul the Industry
• National Hajj Stakeholders’ Summit Convenes to Address Rising Cost of Pilgrimage
• NAHCON Chairman Unveils New Banking Partners for Expanded Hajj Savings Scheme
• Dr. Mansur Muhtar Warns Against Growing Inaccessibility of Hajj for Ordinary Nigerians
• Jaiz Bank Reiterates Support for Pilgrim Financing Through Ethical Investment Channels
• Association of Hajj Operators Advocates Shari’ah-Based Financial Models and Stronger Logistics
• Participants Endorsed Haj Savings Scheme
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders’ Summit, held in Abuja, witnessed critical discussions on sustainable financial models for Nigeria’s Hajj operations. Key figures from the Hajj and Umrah sector, government officials, religious leaders, and financial institutions gathered to explore innovative strategies aimed at making the sacred pilgrimage more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient for Nigerian Muslims.
Professor Mohammed Nasirudeen Maiturare, Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), opened the summit addressing the urgent need for a strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s Hajj financing framework. He emphasized that Nigeria stands out globally, not only for hosting a national Hajj summit but also for its establishment of a dedicated institution—HIN—that focuses on Hajj and Umrah affairs.
The theme of the summit, “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators,” was presented as both timely and essential. Professor Maiturare illustrated the economic challenges facing Nigerian pilgrims, citing sobering statistics. In 2023, Nigerian pilgrims contributed a combined total of N275 billion, with the figure rising to over N350 billion in 2024, despite a reduction in pilgrim numbers. The trend is expected to continue in 2025, with an anticipated 50,000+ pilgrims contributing over N420 billion.
“The inverse relationship between declining pilgrim numbers and rising costs presents a critical opportunity,” Maiturare explained. “We must harness this growing financial pool to benefit the Ummah, reduce costs, and generate sustainable economic value.”
Drawing inspiration from global best practices, Maiturare advocated for a tech-driven, transparent, and innovative approach to Hajj financing, citing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as an example. He called for greater public-private collaboration and fintech engagement to create more efficient and accessible models.
In his first public address as Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman echoed the need for a sustainable and inclusive financial framework for Hajj operations. He lauded the efforts of HIN and partners like Jaiz Bank Plc for their role in co-sponsoring the summit and driving innovation in the sector.
Professor Usman highlighted the growing pressures from currency instability, rising service costs, and shifting regulatory demands, which have made the pilgrimage increasingly inaccessible to many Nigerians. He stressed that developing resilient and efficient financial models was no longer optional but a necessity for the future of Hajj operations in Nigeria.
In a significant move, Professor Usman announced the successful integration of three new partner banks—Alternate Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank—into the Hajj Savings Scheme. This expansion aims to provide more ethical, interest-free financial solutions to Nigerian pilgrims, enabling them to plan for their journey with foresight and financial discipline.
Dr. Mansur Muhtar, former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and Chairman of the Bank of Industry, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for a robust, cost-effective, and sustainable model of Hajj financing. He warned that inflation, currency instability, and diminishing government subsidies were steadily placing Hajj beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
“Hajj is not just a ritual; it is a culmination of devotion and disciplined savings,” Dr. Muhtar noted. “But for many Nigerians, the dream of performing Hajj is slipping away due to economic pressures.”
While acknowledging the success of NAHCON’s Hajj Savings Scheme, Dr. Muhtar cautioned that such initiatives needed to be scaled up. He urged stakeholders to look at successful models from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey while emphasizing that Nigeria must build its own solution rooted in local context and Islamic principles.
The Vice President of Nigeria, represented by Barr. Bashir Maidugu at the summit, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj remains accessible to Nigerian Muslims. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts, including timely foreign exchange interventions and diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities, which have helped alleviate some of the financial burdens on pilgrims.
The Vice President highlighted the need for a Shari’ah-compliant, savings-based approach, citing Malaysia’s Tabung Haji and Indonesia’s Hajj Fund as models to consider. He also referenced Nigeria’s own Hajj Savings Scheme as a crucial step towards improving service delivery and reducing costs for pilgrims.
His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable, self-financing Hajj model for Nigeria. He called for digital transformation in the Hajj sector, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the welfare of pilgrims. The Sultan also urged Ulamas and Islamic scholars to guide pilgrims in aligning with the true values of Islam, advocating for training, research, and certification within the Hajj industry. He recommended that NAHCON take a leadership role in promoting policies that are transparent, efficient, and rooted in Islamic principles. His Eminence concluded with prayers for the safe return of all participants and blessings for their efforts.
Honourable Jafaru Mohammed Ali, Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj Affairs, also shared his goodwill message, reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to overseeing effective Hajj operations. He called on all stakeholders to uphold the values of taqwa (God-consciousness) and amanah (trustworthiness), as these are foundational to ethical Hajj management. Honourable Ali encouraged continued dialogue among stakeholders, especially on sustainable financial solutions for the 2025 Hajj. He also emphasized the importance of accountability and alignment with Islamic values, challenging Hajj operators to take responsibility for providing a seamless and impactful experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
Dr. Haruna Musa, MD/CEO of Jaiz Bank, reiterated JAIZ commitment to the Hajj Savings Scheme and outlined the bank’s efforts in providing N10 billion annually to support licensed Hajj operators. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and ethical banking in Hajj financing.
Alhaji Alhassan Abdulkarim, Executive Director of Jaiz Bank, presented a data-driven analysis of Nigeria’s Hajj spending, noting the gap between the current savings culture and the country’s potential. He argued for a shift towards fostering long-term savings, enabling halal investments, and reducing reliance on foreign exchange fluctuations.
Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ekundayo, President of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), emphasized the faith-based nature of Hajj and urged operators to align their financial models with Islamic values. He also highlighted the challenges faced by private operators and the increasing demands from Saudi authorities, calling for innovative solutions to streamline logistics and financing.
Dr. Barr. Ali Abdurrahman, Coordinator of the Hajj Savings Scheme at NAHCON, concluded the session by discussing the progress of the scheme, which has seen a steady increase in savings over the past years. He stressed the importance of stakeholders cooperation in ensuring the success of the Hajj Savings Scheme and improving access to affordable financing for pilgrims.
On the sidelines of the summit, Ibrahim Muhammed, National Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described the event as a timely intervention in a system under pressure.
“We’re currently facing escalating costs of Hajj services,” he said. “Year after year, we’ve been unable to fully utilize our allocated quota. This has been an ongoing challenge for the past five years.”
He noted that the summit comes at a moment when the global Hajj framework is shifting under Saudi Arabia’s ongoing reforms. According to Muhammed, with the Kingdom phasing out the one-year Hajj licensing system, countries like Nigeria must adapt or risk lagging behind.
“Only recently, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah announced that the one-year Hajj system is being completely phased out. That means any country still relying on that model is doing so at its own risk,” he warned.
He stressed the need for deeper stakeholder inclusion, particularly at the state level.
“To achieve real progress, the conversation must include grassroots operators—especially the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. Even more importantly, State Governors must be involved. They are a vital component of Nigeria’s Hajj ecosystem.”
Muhammed urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and implement expert recommendations, singling out the presentation by Dr. Mansour as particularly valuable.
Similarly, Hajia Zhikrah Afolake Aduke Akanbi, CEO of Libragold Travels Group, expressed satisfaction with the summit’s focus on financial innovation and strategic operations.
“The Hajj industry is a multi-billion naira sector,” she told PEACE Magazine. “Events like this create much-needed awareness and foster a more seamless operation of Hajj services.
“One of the most impactful ideas for me is the bulk purchase of Hajj slots—that has great potential for operators in terms of cost-efficiency and planning,” she explained.
She also praised the introduction of Hardaya payment systems as a potential game-changer in tackling exchange rate volatility and redundant levies.
“This summit has been a welcome initiative. In fact, I’ve already begun discussions with a representative from Jaiz Bank. I’m a satisfied customer of the bank, and I must commend them—they are doing excellent work.”
The summit concluded with a call for collective action among all stakeholders—government bodies, financial institutions, religious leaders, and Hajj operators. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of financing Hajj, the need for a coordinated and strategic approach has never been more urgent.
With the growing financial pool from Nigerian pilgrims, the summit emphasized the importance of leveraging these resources to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure that the sacred pilgrimage remains accessible to all Nigerian Muslims. The outcomes of this summit, particularly the expansion of the Hajj Savings Scheme and the collaboration between public and private sectors, are expected to lay the groundwork for long-term reforms that will shape the future of Hajj operations in Nigeria.
As Professor Maiturare aptly concluded, “The journey to sustainable Hajj financing is a collective responsibility. Let us ensure that this sacred obligation remains accessible, affordable, and spiritually fulfilling for all Nigerian Muslims.”
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