Abuja: National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) states that the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), if effectively implemented, will address operational challenges and enhance the success of the Hajj exercise. The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this announcement during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four banks in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the approved banks-Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank-will implement the new Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS). Prof. Usman described the scheme as a long-term plan designed to help intending pilgrims systematically save for their pilgrimage. The partnership aims to make the Hajj more affordable, transparent, and accessible by providing a secure digital platform for managing funds.
In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), emphasized that the implementation of the HSS would solve existing Hajj issues and aid successful operations. He noted the importance of creating awareness about HSS through Ulamas, traditional rulers, Islamic gatherings, and social media to reach the masses effectively.
Speaking on behalf of the banks’ executives, Dr. Haruna Musa, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, highlighted Nigeria’s potential to surpass the savings scheme of Malaysia, citing the country’s population and experience in managing the Hajj. Musa stressed the need for awareness creation and the use of traditional and social media, along with the deployment of advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance the experience of Hajj savers.