The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has unveiled major financial reforms aimed at achieving affordable and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria. He made this known on Tuesday, 30th April 2025, during the 2nd National Stakeholders’ Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
Delivering his opening remarks at the summit, Professor Usman, who is addressing the forum for the first time since his appointment, emphasized the urgent need to develop resilient Hajj financing models amidst rising operational costs and fluctuating exchange rates.
The summit, organized by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in partnership with Jaiz Bank Plc, brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to deliberate on the theme: “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators.”
“In response to financial challenges in the Hajj industry, we have successfully onboarded three new partner banks—Alternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank—into the Hajj Savings Scheme,” Professor Usman announced, adding that the expansion enhances access to ethical and non-interest financing solutions for intending pilgrims.
The NAHCON boss affirmed the Commission’s preparedness for the 2025 Hajj operations, stating that four airlines have been licensed to transport over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with licensed tour operators. The inaugural flight is scheduled for May 9, 2025.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON) for their unwavering support, including the timely provision of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash, which he noted has brought great relief to pilgrims and stakeholders alike.
Distinguished personalities at the event included His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; Hon. Jafaru Muhammad Alli; and the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Mr. Faisal Ibrahim AlGhamidy. The summit also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mansur Muhtar, former VP of the Islamic Development Bank, and discussions led by top financial and Hajj experts.
Professor Usman pledged to uphold transparency, foster partnerships, and lead NAHCON with the fear of Allah, ensuring the successful conduct of Hajj operations under his watch.
“Together, we will reinforce renewed hope for Nigerian pilgrims and uphold the integrity of Hajj operations,” he concluded.
