By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders Summit scheduled to hold on April 30, 2025, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The high-level summit, organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in partnership with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), will focus on the theme: ?Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators.?

Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, will serve as Chief Host, while HIN Rector, Professor Muhammad Nasiruddeen Maiturare, highlighted the summit?s strategic relevance in addressing the financial constraints facing pilgrims and Hajj service providers across the country.

Preparations for the event are already underway, with the inauguration of a Steering Committee on April 14, chaired by Professor Wasiu O. Gabadeen, Deputy Rector of the Institute. Other committee members include Prof. Abubakar Ibrahim Jalingo (HIN Registrar), representatives from NAHCON?s Hajj Savings Scheme, State and Zonal Units, Protocol, and Media departments.

According to the organisers, the summit will explore innovative financial models aimed at enhancing transparency, sustainability, and efficiency in Nigeria?s Hajj operations. Core discussions will include oversight mechanisms, risk management, protection of pilgrims? funds, and digital solutions for savings and payments.

NAHCON?s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, expressed optimism that the summit will serve as a springboard for building a more resilient and transparent Hajj financing framework in Nigeria.

The two-day event will feature four sessions, each with seven expert panelists. Dr. Mansur Muhtar, former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and current BOI Chairman, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Dignitaries expected include the Sultan of Sokoto, federal lawmakers, Ministers, NAHCON officials, heads of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private Hajj operators, Islamic financial experts, and fintech representatives.

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