At the NAHCON Conference Hall in Abuja on December 1, 2025, the atmosphere was charged with hope and anticipation. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four Islamic banks—Jaiz Bank, TAJ Bank, Lotus Bank, and The Alternative Bank—ushering in a new chapter for the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS).
For many Nigerians, the dream of performing Hajj is deeply spiritual yet financially daunting. The Hajj Savings Scheme, first pioneered with Jaiz Bank, has already given thousands of families a structured way to prepare for the sacred journey.
Now, with the inclusion of three more banks, the scheme promises wider access, stronger financial security, and peace of mind for intending pilgrims.
“Today marks another step in our collective effort to strengthen the Hajj financing
structure in Nigeria,” Professor Usman declared. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ease the burden on our pilgrims.”
Professor Usman explained that the scheme was designed to reduce last-minute pressures on states and the Commission, while giving families a peaceful, long-term savings plan. He noted that records with Jaiz Bank already show steady growth, with thousands of subscribers now enrolled.
“Jaiz Bank has served as our pioneer partner. We now expand that foundation by formally bringing Taj Bank, Lotus Bank, and the Alternative Bank into the scheme.
This is in our effort to build a stable and secure Hajj financing model for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
The scheme, established under Section 7 of the NAHCON Act, mandates the Commission to create policies that support orderly preparation for Hajj. The MoU requires each bank to develop clear roadmaps, ensure Sharia-compliant investments, and provide pilgrims with simple, reliable, and respectful service.
Voices from the Partner Banks
The banks themselves expressed pride in joining the initiative. TAJ Bank described the partnership as “a new benchmark in financial empowerment for aspiring pilgrims across Nigeria.”
“Our collective focus is on enhancing transparency and accountability, expanding access and inclusivity, and offering a seamless, ethically grounded savings pathway,” TAJ Bank stated. “We are unwavering in our commitment to providing a technologically advanced solution that facilitates the sacred journey with dignity and financial security.”
The Alternative Bank echoed similar sentiments: “We’ve officially strengthened our partnership with NAHCON on the Hajj Savings Scheme. It means easier planning, more secure savings, and a smoother path to Hajj 2026 and beyond.”
Dr. Haruna Musa, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, spoke on behalf of the banks, assuring pilgrims of their dedication: “We promise firm commitment to the success of the scheme. We will leverage technology in creating awareness, while not forgetting traditional means too.
With the success of HSS, Hajj will become a whole new experience for Nigerian pilgrims.”
NAHCON Commissioners also underscored the significance of the scheme. Prince Abdulrazaq Aliu, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, congratulated the banks and emphasized the need for performance reviews and periodic assessments.
Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Commissioner of Operations, described the scheme as “a lifeline of Hajj operations,” aligning Nigeria with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, was emphatic: “With this new invigoration of the HSS, Nigeria’s Hajj problem is solved by 99.9 percent. We envisage Nigeria towing the lines of countries like Indonesia in the Hajj arena.”
By signing the MoU, the banks are now authorized to deploy digital platforms for enrollment and invest pilgrims’ deposits in halal ventures. Each institution had earlier demonstrated prototypes of their portals to NAHCON, signaling readiness to roll out nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by key representatives: Malam Garba Mohammed and Mohammed Abdul for The Alternative Bank; Dr. Haruna Musa and Alhassan Abdulkareem for Jaiz Bank; Akin Adekoke for Lotus Bank; and Alhaji Hameed Joda, Managing Director of TAJ Bank.
As the event closed, Professor Usman reaffirmed NAHCON’s oversight role and promised intensified public awareness campaigns.
“We will continue to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims. We will improve public awareness so that more Nigerians will understand the value of long-term savings for Hajj,” he said.
For ordinary Nigerians, the Hajj Savings Scheme is more than a financial product—it is a lifeline to fulfilling a spiritual obligation. With four banks now on board, the scheme is poised to transform how pilgrims prepare for the sacred journey, ensuring that faith and finance walk hand in hand.
