News Editor
By Olu Balogun
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has stepped up discussions with its new financial partners in the Hajj Savings Scheme, HSS, with a view to making Hajj more affordable, transparent, and accessible for Nigerian Muslims while reducing reliance on last-minute payments and complex funding arrangements.
The financial institutions are the Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank, all working with the NAHCON on HSS, introduced as a long-term contributory plan to help intending pilgrims systematically save towards performing Hajj.
Presenting their proposals for the platform, which requires intending pilgrims to register using a phone number, Bank Verification Number, BVN and an email address, the banks reiterated their commitments to the collaboration with the commission on HSS to provide a sustainable framework for Nigerians to fulfill their religious obligation without undue financial strain.
NAHCON explained in a statement by Mahmud Babangida Beli of the Information and Publications Division of the commission that the registration by intending pilgrims was meant “to provide a secure and accessible digital system that will make the Hajj preparation process more efficient.”
“The banks also highlighted several new features built into the system. These include facial verification for stronger security, the option for pilgrims to select three preferred states of departure and flight date, flexible savings with the ability to fund accounts at any time, full transaction history for easy monitoring, and minor accounts for underage children.
“The platform also provides institutional dashboards for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and NAHCON as superuser to oversee all activities.
“An additional feature includes an embedded tab in their mobile banking app that allows customers to register with a single click, making the process even more accessible.
“The banks also revisited and refined several recommendations raised during earlier engagements with NAHCON, ensuring the system aligns with both regulatory requirements and the needs of prospective pilgrims,” it stressed.
NAHCON officials commended the presentations, pointing out that such innovations would enhance efficiency, transparency, and convenience in the scheme.
By integrating technology-driven solutions, the collaboration reflects NAHCON’s wider commitment to modernizing Hajj operations and creating a smoother, more reliable process for pilgrims.
Hajj Savings Scheme creates an avenue for intending Nigerian Muslim pilgrims to save towards fulfilling one of the pillars of Islam; going on Hajj (pilgrimage to the holy lands of Makkah and Madina).
The scheme provides for intending pilgrims to go for Hajj from Nigeria, irrespective of their income, locality and status.
It assists low income earners and the general public to save at their convenience, towards meeting their goal of going on holy pilgrimage.
