By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

In view of the controversy generated by the implementation of Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS) among hajj stakeholders in Nigeria, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors and enlightens pilgrims in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to organize a one-day international conference on the scheme.

A statement signed by the National Coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Muhammed, on Monday, 5th December, 2022, in Abuja, said the conference would be organised in conjunction with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Forum for States Muslim Pilgrims Boards/Agencies and other relevant partners.

He said the conference which has the theme, “Hajj Saving Scheme Resolutions Conference” would be held in Abuja on a date to be announced soon.

“Since its formal launch on 5th October, 2020, the scheme has generated diverse opinions among the major stakeholders, with some state pilgrims boards kicking against its structure of implementation.

“It is aptly agreed that there is no alternative to long term financial planning within the current framework of hajj activities, especially the service challenges being encountered from the one-year calendar cycle being practiced in Nigerian Hajj industry,” Muhammed, the Coordinator said.

He, however, explained the need to have an all-inclusive review of Hajj Saving Scheme to have a workable and essential supporting structure that would enhance service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims and bring financial stability to the Hajj and Umrah industry in Nigeria.

“More importantly, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON had during the 2022 Hajj Stakeholders conference said this year’s hajj will be conducted, using the Hajj Saving Scheme and Pay-as-you-go pilgrims’ registration model.

“The conference will provide an opportunity for major stakeholders like NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Hajj and Umrah Operators and the financial institutions involved to deliberate and agree on the legal and operational mechanism to be deployed in the implementation of the Hajj Saving Scheme in the country,” he added.

He explained that since the Hajj Saving Scheme was about the pilgrims, there would be provision for virtual participation by intending pilgrims and pilgrims who currently subscribe to the HSS.

“The conference will bring together leading Hajj financial experts from other hajj participating countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and notable Nigerian Hajj intellectuals that participated in the formation of NAHCON ACT – to shed more light on the spirit behind section 7 of NAHCON ACT – the section that empowers the commission to establish and regulate a Hajj Saving Scheme.

“It is noteworthy that the primary sources of major challenges encountered in this year’s Hajj were as a result of the perceived hasty implementation of HSS,” he stated.

Ibrahim said the one-day conference will discuss ways to improve Hajj service delivery, especially the operational services to the pilgrims.

According to him, the conference would also x-ray the lapses recorded during the 2022 Hajj with a view to taking proactive steps to halt future re-occurrence, the statement added.

“As a civil society whose cardinal objective is to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for our dear pilgrims to perform their fifth pillar of Islam, it shall continue to advocate for workable policies for the Hajj and Umrah Industry in Nigeria and the world at large,” he said.

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