Kano Pilots National Hajj Savings Scheme
As Sultan tasks NAHCON, Jaiz Bank on transparency

BY COBHAM.NSA – Kano State has taken the lead in piloting the National Hajj Savings Scheme initiated to assist intending muslim pilgrims comfortably perform the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
This is as Governor Umaru Abdullahi Ganduje declares the Kano State government’s full backing for the scheme that will make it financially convenient for pilgrims to perform one of the five pillars of Islam.
He assured that his administration is passionate about the scheme succeeding as it would bring succour to pilgrims that hitherto experienced serious financial stress in their desire to perform the holy pilgrimage.
Officially launched by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, the scheme allows Muslims Ummah to prepare ahead of time, by making deposits in installments through Jaiz Bank Plc to lessen financial stress associated with the yearly religious exercise.
The Sultan, represented at the launch by Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, charged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Jaiz Bank to be transparent and accountable in operating the scheme.
He said the purpose is to enable every muslims “perform the Hajj without depending on government”, adding; “It will ensure proper planning and the funds realised will be invested in Shari’a compliant instruments.”
Also speaking at the occasion, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank Hassan Usman described the Hajj Savings Scheme as a significant milestone for all stakeholders in
the hajj ecosystem in Nigeria.
“From planning, funding to actual operations, the scheme has the potentials to positively affect every act and actor in the process. With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualize their dream without stress by saving gradually”, Us man said
According to him, “Even those who did not live long enough to complete their savings might still in Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj, because they are pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.”
Usman explains that with the Scheme growing over time, NAHCON and the various State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards would have the liquid funds required to effectively plan hajj
operations early, thereby securing better bargain for accommodation and other services for their pilgrims.
Furthermore, he stated that; “The scheme can also be the key to making them highly self-sustaining in the long run.”
In his remarks, Chairman of NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Kunle Hassan said the event is quite historic.
Describing the scheme as one of its kind in Africa, he said; “We are changing the narrative of Hajj Scheme to make it eaasier for people to perform hajj.”