Market News

By : Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s timely intervention protected thousands of Nigerian pilgrims from being priced out of this year’s Hajj.

Shettima noted that amid rising costs of Hajj fare and sharp depreciation of the Naira, Tinubu approved critical measures that shielded intending pilgrims from the harsh impact of global economic shocks.

The Vice President stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the second National Hajj Stakeholders Summit organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The summit, themed “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators”, brought together stakeholders to explore long-term solutions for financing Hajj in Nigeria.

Shettima, who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal and Compliance Matters, Office of the Vice President, Bashir Maidugu, noted that the support from the President included ensuring the timely allocation of foreign exchange and diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities to secure more favourable terms for Nigerian pilgrims.

The Vice President said: “In the last two years, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the success and improvement of Hajj operations in Nigeria.

“Recognising the spiritual significance of Hajj to millions of Nigerians, the Tinubu administration has consistently provided the necessary support, ranging from facilitating timely foreign exchange allocations for pilgrims to diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities to secure better terms and conditions for Nigerians.

“The recent landmark approval of special interventions to cushion the impact of rising costs on 2025 Hajj operations is a clear testimony to this administration’s dedication.

“In the face of global economic challenges and sharp fluctuations in the value of the Naira, Mr. President personally approved critical measures to protect the interests of intending pilgrims, ensuring that this sacred obligation remains within reach for thousands of Nigerian Muslims.”

Shettima added that the present administration has actively supported institutional reforms aimed at strengthening NACHON and other stakeholders, laying a foundation for a more resilient and self-sustaining Hajj sector.

According to him, the increasing costs associated with Hajj, coupled with economic fluctuations and global uncertainties, underscore the necessity for funding a sustainable financing model for Hajj and Umrah.

The Vice President said Nigeria needed to establish a system that ensures affordability for pilgrims while maintaining the integrity and quality of service.

Shettima urged stakeholders to take lessons from successful models in Malaysia and Indonesia, which he said have built resilient Hajj savings schemes that subsidise pilgrimage costs and contribute to national development.

He specifically referenced Malaysia’s Tabung Haji, which he added has successfully combined Sharia-compliant savings with strategic investments over six decades, and Indonesia’s Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH), which recently provided a 59 per cent subsidy to its pilgrims.

“These models exemplify the potential of strategic fund management in achieving both financial sustainability and enhanced pilgrim service,” Shettima said.

“It is in alignment with these global best practices that in the year 2020, NACHON rolled out its Hajj savings scheme as provided for in its establishment act.”

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the management of the Hajj Commission to digitize and simplify Hajj operations to reduce costs and improve services that could support pilgrims’ comfort and safety.

Represented by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, the Sultan called on the Hajj institute to provide training and certification programs for Hajj operators, staff, and stakeholders, including providing means for research on Hajj operations to help policymakers in decision making.

“Our Imams and Islamic teachers, I humbly call on you to provide spiritual guidance, encouraging cooperation on the rights and welfare of Pilgrims, this will help in the development of policies aligned with religious values and principles,” he said.

Speaking, Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, said the commission is fully prepared for the 2025 Hajj operations.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators.

Usman said the inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj has been scheduled for May 9, while assuring Nigerians of the commitment of the commission to provide effective and efficient services to pilgrims.