By MAHMUD BABANGIDA BELI

On May 5, 2025, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh, led a delegation comprising Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Commissioners in charge of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi and in charge of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak on a courtesy visit to the Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Professor Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, to seek strategic partnership in actualizing NAHCON?s digital transformation agenda.

The Chairman, while addressing the NITDA leadership, emphasized the urgent need for NAHCON to adopt and implement digital technologies in its operations. Professor Saleh stressed that NAHCON requires not only technical tools but also skills development and expert guidance to successfully navigate this transformation

Head of the NAHCON?s Digital Economy Center Information, Malam Zakariyya Tanimu Muhammad representing the Head of Communications and Technology unit outlined three critical areas requiring NITDA?s support:

Digital Transformation of NAHCON?s operational processes

Cybersecurity and Data Protection frameworks

Transparent Financial Management Systems aimed at curbing waste and improving efficiency

In his remarks, NAHCON?s Commissioner of Operations Prince Anofiu Elegushi highlighted Saudi Arabia?s ongoing digital overhaul of Hajj operations, urging Nigeria to align or risk lagging behind. He explained that digitizing NAHCON?s system would enable real-time updates on pilgrim registration figures, streamline financial processes like foreign exchange conversions, and enhance security protocols. He cited the example of deploying large numbers of officials in Saudi Arabia this year due to anticipated extreme weather. While physical deployment is necessary, he noted that a robust digital framework could minimize such needs by enabling remote coordination and decision-making.

In response, NITDA?s Director-General, Professor Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, welcomed the delegation and prayed for a successful tenure for Professor Saleh. He acknowledged that NAHCON?s digital aspirations were in line with NITDA?s mission to promote digital fluency and inclusivity among citizens. He emphasized that digital transformation is driven not just by tools, but also by skills, organizational culture, and a digitally prepared workforce.

The DG recalled previous collaborations between both agencies, including the establishment of a Digital Economy Centre, a virtual library, and various capacity-building trainings. He also mentioned NITDA?s past partnership with Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) and suggested that such efforts could be revived and expanded

Professor Kashifu Inuwa concluded by reinforcing that technology is a lifestyle and expressed NITDA?s willingness to support NAHCON?s transformative goals through technical partnership, training programs, and policy guidance.

The discussions are expected to strengthen the two organizations? collaboration in harnessing technology for the improved delivery of Hajj services. It marks a step forward in NAHCON?s vision to create a digitally empowered and transparent system that aligns with global best practices in Hajj.

?Beli writes from NAHCON.

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