The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formalised a new partnership to advance the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving four key financial institutions Alternative Bank, Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, and TAJ Bank.
According to a statement released by NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, the agreement mandates each bank to develop user-friendly digital registration portals for prospective pilgrims and to manage all HSS funds in compliance with Islamic financial principles.
The institutions are also expected to produce detailed implementation roadmaps that will guarantee transparency, safeguard depositors’ interests, and broaden the scheme’s reach across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the HSS as a structured and sustainable avenue for Nigerians to prepare ahead for Hajj.
He noted that while many Muslims are eager to join the scheme, awareness remains inadequate.
He said NAHCON, together with the partner banks, will intensify enlightenment efforts through religious leaders, traditional platforms, and digital media to better communicate the long-term benefits of the initiative.
Professor Usman commended both the HSS Unit and the banks for their dedication to strengthening the scheme.
The Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Abdulrazaq Aliu, lauded the banks for their selection, stating that they were chosen based on their proven capabilities. He stressed the need for a performance review system and periodic evaluation to track progress and ensure accountability. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to provide a clear regulatory framework and the necessary support for successful implementation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, described the HSS as a “lifeline” for future Hajj operations, especially in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He emphasized that Nigeria can no longer rely on outdated planning methods and expect to meet Saudi requirements. With the HSS, he said, the country will have a pool of early-registered pilgrims ready whenever data is required.
Delivering the closing remarks, Commissioner of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, expressed optimism that the revitalized HSS will address nearly all of Nigeria’s Hajj planning challenges.
He projected that Nigeria could soon operate at the level of advanced Hajj systems such as Indonesia’s.
With the MoU now in effect, the participating banks have been officially authorized to deploy their digital platforms for HSS enrolment and to invest contributors’ funds strictly in halal-compliant ventures. NAHCON had earlier assessed the prototype portals presented by each bank.
Representatives at the ceremony included Malam Garba Mohammed and Mohammed Abdul for The Alternative Bank; Dr. Haruna Musa, Managing Director, and Alhassan Abdulkareem for Jaiz Bank; Akin Adekoke for Lotus Bank; and Alhaji Hameed Joda, Managing Director, for TAJ Bank.
Speaking on behalf of the banks, Dr. Haruna Musa expressed appreciation to NAHCON and pledged the institutions’ commitment to the success of the scheme.
He said the banks would employ technology-driven strategies, supported by traditional outreach, to boost awareness. Dr. Musa concluded that a fully functional HSS would transform Nigeria’s Hajj experience for the better