The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has taken another significant step towards strengthening the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four participating financial institutions -Alternative Bank, Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank and TAJ Bank.

Under the new partnership, the banks are mandated to launch user-friendly pilgrims’ registration portals and manage HSS funds strictly in line with Islamic finance principles.

Each bank will also develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap designed to ensure transparency, protect pilgrims’ interests, and expand nationwide access to the scheme.

The chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stated that the HSS provides a structured pathway for Nigerians to plan early for hajj, adding that many prospective pilgrims are eager to enroll but limited by inadequate awareness.

He said NAHCON, in collaboration with the banks, will intensify sensitisation efforts through the Ulama, traditional and digital media, to deepen public understanding of the long-term benefits of the scheme.

The chairman commended the commitment of the HSS Unit and the partner banks for advancing the scheme.

The Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Abdulrazaq Aliu, congratulated the partner banks and noted that they were selected based on their proven capacity to deliver.

He stated the need for a performance review matrix and periodic assessment to measure the progress and impact of the scheme. He reaffirmed that NAHCON will provide the required platform, guidelines, and regulatory support for the success of HSS.
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