(SINL NIGERIA) The chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has assured major stakeholders that NAHCON under his leadership, is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships, collaborations and teamwork to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj operations.
He expressed optimism that NAHCON, in its role as the regulator of Hajj affairs in Nigeria and the Hajj mission for pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is fully prepared for the 2025 Hajj operations.
Professor Usman spoke at the 2nd National stakeholders summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah summit industry held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme for this year’s summit, “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators,” according to the NAHCON Chairman was both timely and pertinent.
He noted that the summit has provided a crucial platform for key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, to collectively examine and address matters vital to the sustainable future of Hajj operations in Nigeria – a significant religious obligation and considerable socio-economic undertaking.
He said “Your presence here underscores the shared responsibility we all bear in ensuring the success of the 2025 Hajj”.
He explained that the federal government has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators.
He reiterated that the inaugural flight for this Hajj is scheduled for May 9th, 2025, saying NAHCON anticipate seamless operations.
“We are united in our commitment to provide effective and efficient services to the respected guests of Allah (DUYUFUR-Rahman), thereby reinforcing the renewed hope for Nigerian pilgrims”.
He however bemoaned that the Hajj industry faces increasing pressures, from fluctuating foreign exchange rates and rising service costs to evolving regulatory landscapes.
“These challenges have made the pilgrimage increasingly expensive for our Nigerian brothers and sisters. Therefore, developing resilient and sustainable financial models is no longer an option but a necessity to guarantee affordability, efficiency and integrity in Hajj operations”.
“At NAHCON we have embraced this responsibility with courage and commitment. I am pleased to report a significant milestone in our sustainability drive: the successful on-boarding of three additional partner banks into the Hajj Savings Scheme – Alternative Bank, TAJ Bank, and Lotus Bank.
“This expansion is not just symbolic—it is strategic. These institutions bring with them innovative, ethical, and non-interest financial solutions tailored to the needs of intending pilgrims. Their inclusion reinforce our Hajj Savings Scheme, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to plan their pilgrimage with convenience, foresight, and financial discipline.
“With these banks now on board, we are widening the reach of the Hajj Savings Scheme, promoting financial inclusion, and laying a strong foundation for a sustainable Hajj financing model”.
He observed that the summit will provide practical administrative and operational frameworks for Hajj financing in Nigeria.
Professor Usman expressed gratitude to all stakeholders particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima for their continuous support and timely interventions in resolving the challenges of the 2025 Hajj, including the significant provision of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash, “which provide great relief to pilgrims, operators and the regulator”.
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