x

HAJJ: CSO To Organise International Conference On Hajj Saving Scheme

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

In view of the controversy generated by the implementation of Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS), among hajj stakeholders in Nigeria, Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organization that monitors and enlighten pilgrims in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to organize a one-day international conference on the scheme.

The conference will be conducted in conjunction with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Forum for States Muslim Pilgrims Boards/agencies and other relevant partners.

This was contained in a statement signed by the national coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Muhammed in Abuja. The conference with the theme: Hajj Saving Scheme resolutions conference will be held in Abuja on a date to be announced soon.

The statement said “since its formal launch on 5TH October 2020, the scheme has generated diverse opinions among the major stakeholders – with some state pilgrims boards kicking against its structure of implementation”.

IHR said it aptly agreed that there is no alternative to long term financial planning within the current framework of hajj activities especially the challenges services being encountered from the one-year calendar cycle being practiced in Nigerian Hajj industry.

However, there is a need to have an all -inclusive review of Hajj Saving Scheme if we are to have a workable and essential supporting structure that will enhance service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims and bring financial stability to the Hajj and Umrah industry in Nigeria.

More importantly, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON had during the 2022 Hajj Stakeholders conference said this year’s hajj will be conducted using the Hajj Saving Scheme and Pay as you go pilgrims’ registration model.

IHR said the conference will provide an opportunity for major stakeholders like NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Hajj and Umrah Operators and the financial institutions involved to deliberate and agree on the legal and operational mechanism to be deployed in the implementation of the Hajj Saving Scheme in the country.

Since the Hajj Saving Scheme is about the pilgrims, there will be provision for virtual participation by intending pilgrims and pilgrims who currently subscribe to the HSS, the statement added “The conference will bring together leading Hajj financial experts from other hajj participating countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and notable Nigerian Hajj intellectuals that participated in the formation of NAHCON ACT – to shed more light on the spirit behind section 7 of NAHCON ACT – the section that empowers the commission to establish and regulate a Hajj saving Scheme.

“It is noteworthy that the primary sources of major challenges encountered in this year’s Hajj was as a result of the perceived hasty implementation of HSS,” the statement.

It added that the one-day conference will discuss ways to improve Hajj service delivery, especially the operational services to the pilgrims will also x-rays the lapses recorded during the 2022 Hajj with a view to taking proactive steps to halt future re-occurrence, the statement added.

The IHR said “as a civil society whose cardinal objectives is to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for our dear pilgrims to perform their fifth pilar of Islam, it shall continue to advocate for workable policies for the Hajj and Umrah Industry in Nigeria and the world at large”.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Scrabble Stars Battle for N10m at Gov. Diri Championship

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Top Scrabble players from across Nigeria...

Northern CAN Leaders Visit Benue, Reject ‘Herders-Farmers Clash’ Narrative

...Pledge sustained advocacy...“Your presence is Christ sitting with us”...

Expect More Development — Gov. Aliyu Assures Sokoto Residents

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State...

We Have Brought Inclusive Development to Plateau — Governor Mutfwang

By Israel Adamu, Jos The people of Plateau State made...

NYSC Is the Thread Binding Nigeria’s Diversity” — Gov. Diri

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri,...

What’s the Best Age for a Man to Get Married? Here’s What We Found

Marriage is one of the most significant milestones in...

Nurses Suspend Nationwide Strike – Health Minister Confirms

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img