The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has approved four banks to support and implement the Hajj Savings Scheme, a key initiative aimed at assisting Nigerian Muslims in financing their pilgrimage.
According to The PUNCH, official from NAHCON’s Information and Publications Division, Abdulbasit Abba announced the development on Tuesday in Abuja, confirming that three new Islamic banks—Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank—have joined the scheme.
These banks will operate alongside Ja’iz Bank, bringing the total number of participating financial institutions to four.
“A significant milestone for the Hajj Savings Scheme, three new Islamic banks—Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank—have officially joined the initiative to support Nigerian pilgrims,” Abba stated.
The official signing ceremony took place at Hajj House, Abuja, where representatives from the newly approved banks received their appointment letters.
The letters were presented by Prince Abdullazak Aliu, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management, and Finance, on behalf of NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Prof. Abdullahi Usman.
“This expansion marks a new era for the Hajj Savings Scheme, ensuring a more robust financial structure to facilitate pilgrimage arrangements for Nigerian Muslims,” Aliu stated.
The Hajj Savings Scheme is designed to help intending pilgrims save gradually for their journey to Mecca, ensuring a more structured and financially accessible process for performing the religious obligation.