Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading Non-Interest Bank, has announced the allocation of a N10 billion facility aimed at supporting Hajj and Umrah tour operators in the country. This initiative is designed to ease the financial challenges faced by operators and pilgrims in fulfilling their Hajj obligations.
The bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Haruna Musa, Ph.D, made the announcement during the 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders Summit in Abuja, where he emphasized that the facility would be accessible at all Jaiz Bank branches across the country. He stated that the bank is committed to enhancing the Hajj experience by providing the necessary financial support for pilgrims.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that Nigerians have a seamless Hajj and Umrah experience. This N10 billion facility is part of our ongoing efforts to ease the operational and financial burdens faced by tour operators in Nigeria,” Musa said.
The facility is part of Jaiz Bank’s broader commitment to support the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and various stakeholders in the country’s pilgrimage operations. The bank has also been involved in the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), which allows pilgrims to save for their pilgrimage in a secure and structured manner.
Musa further highlighted that Jaiz Bank had introduced a unique initiative by enabling Hadaya payments in Naira, thereby reducing the financial strain on pilgrims and making it easier for them to perform their religious duties. This effort is designed to encourage Nigerian pilgrims to participate in the Hajj without worrying about currency exchange issues.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Alhaji Bashir Maidugu, praised Jaiz Bank for its efforts in facilitating smoother financial operations for Nigerian pilgrims. He commended the bank for introducing the Naira payment option for Hadaya, which he said would ease the experience for Nigerian pilgrims in the holy land.
Shettima also expressed support for ongoing efforts to reduce the overall cost of Hajj for Nigerian citizens, urging stakeholders to work together to ensure a more affordable pilgrimage.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), also spoke at the event, assuring participants of the Commission’s continued support for the financing of Hajj operations in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that collaboration with institutions like Jaiz Bank would lead to further improvements in the pilgrimage process for Nigerians.
Jaiz Bank’s latest financial initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims and supporting the country’s Hajj operations, ensuring a seamless and financially accessible journey for all involved.
