The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in collaboration with the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), will convene the 2nd edition of the National Hajj Stakeholders Summit on April 30, 2025. The high-profile event is scheduled to take place at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
This year’s summit is themed “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators.” The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman will serve as the Chief Host.
The announcement was made by the Rector of the Hajj Institute, Professor Muhammad Nasiruddeen Maiturare, who also revealed that a Steering Committee was inaugurated earlier on April 14 to oversee preparations. The committee is chaired by HIN’s Deputy Rector, Professor Wasiu O. Gabadeen. It includes notable members such as HIN Registrar, Professor Abubakar Ibrahim Jalingo, staff from NAHCON’s Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) unit, and representatives from other key departments, including Protocol and Media.
The summit is designed to address growing concerns around financial sustainability in Nigeria’s Hajj operations. Key objectives include the development of a self-financing model for Hajj administration, mechanisms for financial oversight and risk management, protection of pilgrims’ funds, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance payment processes and savings tracking.
According to organisers, the two-day summit will feature four in-depth sessions, each with seven expert panellists who will deliberate on practical solutions to current challenges in Hajj financing and administration.
Dr. Mansur Muhtar, former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Jeddah, and current Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry (BOI), is set to deliver the keynote address.
Distinguished guests expected at the summit include His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Sokoto; Honourable Ministers; Members of the National Assembly; and key players from the public and private sectors. Participants will also include NAHCON board members and management, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private Hajj operators, Islamic financial institutions, fintech companies, and other relevant agencies.
Organisers express hope that the summit will serve as a launchpad for building a more resilient, transparent, and sustainable framework for Hajj financing in Nigeria.
