The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) will hold the second edition of their annual National Hajj Stakeholders Summit on April 30, 2025, in Abuja.

This year’s summit, themed Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators, will focus on ways to create a lasting and reliable financial system for Hajj operations in Nigeria.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, is expected to attend the event as the Special Guest, while Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman will serve as the Chief Host.

According to the Rector of the Hajj Institute, Professor Muhammad Nasiruddeen Maiturare, preparations are already in full swing. On April 14, the summit’s Steering Committee was inaugurated at the HIN conference room. The committee is chaired by the Deputy Rector of the Institute, Professor Wasiu O. Gabadeen.

Other members of the committee include the Institute’s Registrar, Professor Abubakar Ibrahim Jalingo, staff of NAHCON’s Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), representatives from NAHCON’s States and Zones Unit, the Protocol department, and the Media arm.

This year’s summit will be focusing on building financial models that will help solve the financial problems faced by the Hajj industry in Nigeria. The goal is to make Hajj operations more financially stable, with proper oversight, risk management, and protection of pilgrims’ funds.

The summit will also explore how digital platforms and technology can improve payments, track savings, and make financial processes more efficient.

The event will feature four sessions, each with seven panel members, who will lead discussions and share expert views on improving Hajj financing and administration.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mansur Muhtar, a former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah and the current Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Other expected guests include the Sultan of Sokoto, government ministers, members of the National Assembly, and heads of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, private Hajj operators, Islamic financial institutions, fintech companies, and other relevant agencies.

The organisers said they hope the summit will mark the beginning of a more transparent, resilient, and sustainable system for funding Hajj in Nigeria.