By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
A delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) visited the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to promote the Hajj Savings Scheme, an initiative aimed at enabling Nigerian Muslims to save gradually for their Hajj expenses.
Alhaji Halidu Awal Kazaure, leader of the delegation, described the scheme as a beneficial initiative that allows Muslims to save over time, easing the financial burden of performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to Alhaji Kazaure, the scheme is a collaboration between NAHCON and several banks, including Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank. These partnerships offer individuals the option to deposit funds steadily until they accumulate the necessary amount for Hajj.
Faruk Umar, Head of Information and Communication at the Agency, outlined the key features of the Hajj Savings Scheme. These include a queue-based system operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the Mudaraba principle (an Islamic partnership system with profit-sharing between the bank and the depositor), and a variety of deposit options, such as over-the-counter, electronic channels, or agency banking.
Other features include profit-sharing, where profits are divided between the bank and the depositor according to a pre-agreed ratio. Depositors may withdraw funds, although this could impact their eligibility for Hajj participation.
The scheme’s main objective is to make Hajj more accessible and affordable, particularly for Muslims with limited financial resources. By offering a structured savings plan, the scheme allows individuals to plan and manage Hajj-related expenses over time.
In response, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, praised NAHCON for the initiative. He emphasized that, if successfully implemented, the scheme would significantly assist prospective pilgrims. He encouraged the public to embrace the scheme and assured the agency’s full support.
