Hajj Savings ‘ll Promote MSMEs, Fiscal Discipline – Gov Badaru
As Edo, Katsina states laud scheme, pledge support
BY COBHAM NSA – Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State is upbeat that the newly introduced Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) will boost financial discipline and access to funding for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The saving scheme is being packaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in collaboration with 36 State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Jaiz Bank Plc
Governor Abubakar noted that with its robust packaging, the scheme will assist adherents, especially those in the rural areas, to embrace savings for future investments even after performing the Hajj.
Speaking at the launch and sensitisation of the Scheme in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital, the governor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Namadi, said the state government will collaborate with the pilgrims board to sensitise everybody across all the local government councils.
Similarly, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obasaki said the scheme will make it convenient for Muslims going for pilgrimage with the guarantee of promoting international best practice in Hajj operations.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Central Administration, George Egberasie, the Governor launched the scheme in Benin with the promised that his administration is backing the scheme given its potential to increase the economic fortune of depositors.
Also in Katsina State, Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu commended all stakeholders within the scheme, promising government full support to make it a huge successful.
“The scheme is economically driven as it is a gateway to investment,” he said, adding
that the scheme should not be rushed for the desired results to be achieved.
The Deputy Governor also cautioned against scammers invading the Scheme’s space to defraud people.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank Plc, Mallam Hassan Usman said the Bank will ensure prudent management of the funds from the scheme by investing it in Shariah compliant transactions.
He said profit realised from the investment will be shared amongst stakeholders – the savers, Jaiz bank Plc and NAHCON/State Muslim Pilgrim Boards.
Also speaking at the respective States’ launch programmes, Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, explained that the HSS is a queueing plan on first come, first serve basis.
