By Mahmud Babangida Beli
In a strategic move to advance its digital transformation agenda, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) paid a courtesy visit to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on May 5, 2025.
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Leading the NAHCON delegation was its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, accompanied by key members of his executive team—Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi; Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak; and Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS).
During the visit, Professor Saleh underscored the Commission’s urgent need to integrate digital technologies into its operations to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. He emphasized that achieving such transformation requires more than just digital tools—it demands capacity building and expert guidance.
Representing the Head of NAHCON’s Communications and Technology Unit, Malam Zakariyya Tanimu Muhammad outlined three key areas where NITDA’s support is crucial: digitization of NAHCON’s internal processes, enhancement of cybersecurity and data protection measures, and the implementation of transparent financial management systems.
Adding perspective to the discussion, Commissioner Elegushi referenced Saudi Arabia’s aggressive digital reforms in Hajj management. He warned that Nigeria risks falling behind if it does not align its systems accordingly.
He pointed out that real-time pilgrim registration, improved foreign exchange processing, and robust remote decision-making are all benefits of going digital—particularly in light of the logistical challenges posed by extreme weather in this year’s Hajj.
Responding warmly, NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, welcomed the delegation and praised NAHCON’s vision. He expressed alignment with NAHCON’s goals, affirming that digital transformation is driven as much by culture and skills as by technology itself. Inuwa noted past collaborations between both agencies, including the setup of a Digital Economy Centre, a virtual library, and training programs, and encouraged further partnership with the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
“Technology is not just a tool, it’s a way of life,” the NITDA boss remarked, pledging his agency’s support through technical advice, policy alignment, and workforce training.
The visit marks a significant step in deepening inter-agency cooperation aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s Hajj administration. With this renewed alliance, NAHCON is positioning itself to build a more responsive, transparent, and globally aligned Hajj system