The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called for stronger international partnerships and digital transformation to promote sustainable Hajj fund management and reduce the financial burden of pilgrimage on Nigerian Muslims.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, made the call at the Eighth International Hajj Fund Forum (IHFF) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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In a statement, the Head of Information and Publications Division of NAHCON, Shafii Sani Mohammed, said the forum brought together global policymakers, Islamic finance experts and institutional leaders to explore strategies for addressing rising Hajj costs and safeguarding funds for future generations of pilgrims.
Speaking during a high-level panel session, Ambassador Yusuf emphasised the need for effective collaboration among relevant agencies and the adoption of modern digital systems to strengthen transparency, financial efficiency and resilience in Hajj administration.
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He noted that sustainable management of Hajj funds required long-term planning beyond financing annual pilgrimages, stressing the importance of protecting investments and ensuring lasting benefits for pilgrims.
The NAHCON chairman also highlighted plans to expand investments in strategic infrastructure within the Hajj value chain, particularly hospitality and logistics, to help reduce accommodation costs while generating sustainable returns.
The forum, hosted by Indonesia’s Hajj Financial Management Agency, was held under the theme, *“Sustainable Hajj Fund Management Through Strategic Synergy and Digital Transformation.”*
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It featured addresses by Indonesia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, K.H. Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, and Vice Minister of Finance, Juda Agung, among other dignitaries.
It’s maintained that, NAHCON’s participation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s collaboration with Indonesia and other Muslim-majority countries in developing technology-driven and financially sustainable frameworks for Hajj administration.
