With profound gratitude to Allah (SWT), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and in the spirit of deep humility, I welcome our distinguished guests, revered scholars, respected government officials, dedicated members of the Hajj and Umrah industry, and all stakeholders to this defining moment – the 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders’ Summit, convened by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, under the visionary leadership and auspices of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to begin with a proud affirmation: Nigeria is the only country in the world that organises a national “Hajj Summit” by this name. If you doubt that, I invite you to ask ChatGPT. Moreover, Nigeria is also the only country in Africa to have established a full-fledged institution dedicated to training, research, and capacity building in Hajj and Umrah affairs the Hajj Institute of Nigeria. These milestones are not accidents of history; they are deliberate, strategic interventions by NAHCON to reframe the narrative of Nigerian Hajj management from perennial challenges to sustainable excellence.
This year’s summit is especially timely. We are at a historic crossroads, where the financial demands and administrative complexity of Hajj are rising sharply amid global inflation, currency volatility, and shifting economic realities. The choice of this year’s theme – “Sustainable Hajj Financing” is not only appropriate, it is urgent.
To illustrate the magnitude of what we are dealing with: in 2023, over 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims each paid an average Hajj fare of approximately ₦2.9 million, amounting to an estimated ₦275 billion injected into the Hajj economy. In 2024, despite government intervention, the number of Nigerian pilgrims declined to about 51,477, with fares soaring to an average of ₦6.8 million, pushing the total cost past ₦350 billion. This year we are expecting overt 50,000 Nigerians to perform Hajj. At the prevailing median fare of ₦8,457,685.59, this translates to over ₦420 billion.
Clearly, as the number of pilgrims decreases, the aggregate expenditure continues to rise sharply. This inverse relationship underscores a critical opportunity, to harness this growing financial pool for the greater benefit of the pilgrims, the Ummah, and national development. With strategic economic collaboration and
innovative policy frameworks, a portion of these resources can be reinvested to reduce future costs, improve service delivery, and generate sustainable economic value. Hence, the way we finance Hajj in Nigeria must change. We need a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive model.
Globally, we are witnessing rapid transformations. Under the Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabia has introduced powerful reforms to digitise and streamline Hajj operations. Platforms like “Nusuk”, digital visa systems, e-payments, and fintech integration have become standard practice. The message is clear: the future of Hajj administration lies in innovation, accountability, and private sector collaboration – not in ad hoc arrangements or outdated financial arrangements.
Here in Nigeria, we must rise to this challenge. Hajj financing is not just a technical task – it is a sacred trust. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reminded us, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” We, therefore, owe it to our pilgrims to ensure that the journey of a lifetime is backed by a system that is just, trustworthy, and sustainable.
In this light, the Summit will explore alternative financing options, including the ones that are already working in other parts of the Muslim world. We must bring them home, contextualised to our realities and reap their immense benefits.
Through the insights shared here, we desire to lay the foundation for a Hajj financing architecture that is resilient, self-sustaining, and accessible to generations to come. To this end, we have brought together a formidable team of distinguished scholars and accomplished experts from the financial and Hajj sectors. Their depth of knowledge and diversity of perspectives will be instrumental in charting a practical and visionary path forward. We are highly honoured by their gracious acceptance to serve and contribute to this noble cause.
At this juncture, let me commend NAHCON’s Board and leadership for their foresight in supporting this summit, and for their continuous efforts to elevate the standards of Nigerian Hajj operations and reduce Hajj costs for the pilgrim. We also thank Jaiz Bank Plc for their sponsorship and long-term commitment to the cause of the pilgrims. May Allah (SWT) reward them all abundantly.
To all our esteemed guests and participants, I say thank you. Your presence is not only appreciated, it is essential. May Allah (SWT) Guide our deliberations and Bless the be fruitful. May they lead to actions. And may those actions transform the Nigerian Hajj landscape for the better.
Jazakumullahu Khairan wa Barakallahu Fikum.
- Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
