By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, disclosed key developments and strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring a more sustainable and affordable Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.

Speaking at the 2nd National Stakeholders Summit of Nigeria?s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Prof. Usman highlighted the urgent need for resilient financial models in the face of rising costs and foreign exchange volatility affecting Hajj participation.

The summit, themed ?Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators,? brought together critical stakeholders including government officials, financial institutions, tour operators, and civil society leaders.

?Our commitment at NAHCON is unwavering. We have expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme with the successful onboarding of three new partner banks ? Alternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank ? to deepen financial inclusion and planning ease for intending pilgrims,? Prof. Usman stated.

The NAHCON boss lauded the efforts of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) for organizing the summit and expressed appreciation to Jaiz Bank Plc for its corporate social responsibility through co-sponsorship. He also acknowledged the support of other non-interest financial institutions backing the commission?s reform agenda.

In his remarks, Prof. Usman revealed that the Federal Government had licensed four airlines for the 2025 Hajj airlift, targeting over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding those travelling through private tour operators. He confirmed that the inaugural flight is scheduled for May 9, 2025.

Dignitaries in attendance included Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa?ad Abubakar (CFR, MNI), and Saudi Ambassador Mr. Faisal Ibrahim AlGhamidy, among others.

The summit also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mansur Muhtar, former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and current Chairman of the Board, Bank of Industry. Other lead discussants included Dr. Muhammad Ahmad of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Wasiu Gadaeen of HIN, and Bashir M. Bugaje, Chairman of the Hajj Savings Scheme Committee.

Prof. Usman concluded his address by reaffirming NAHCON?s readiness to deliver efficient services during the 2025 Hajj, stressing that the commission, under his leadership, will operate with transparency, collaboration, and the fear of Allah.

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