By Bello Hamza, Abuja The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador I...
By Bello Hamza, Abuja
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has advocated stronger international partnerships and digital transformation to promote sustainable financial management in Hajj operations.
Yusuf made the call while participating as a panelist at the 8th International Hajj Fund Forum (IHFF) 2026 held at the Jakarta International Convention Center, Indonesia.
The forum, hosted by Indonesia’s Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH), brought together policymakers, Islamic finance experts and institutional leaders to discuss sustainable Hajj fund management under the theme, “Sustainable Hajj Fund Management Through Strategic Synergy and Digital Transformation.”
Discussions at the event focused on the economic challenges affecting Hajj operations, rising pilgrimage costs and the need to preserve financial benefits for future generations of pilgrims.
Speaking during a high-level panel alongside BPKH Executive Board Chief, Fadlul Imansyah, and other international delegates, the NAHCON chairman highlighted the importance of cooperation among relevant agencies and the adoption of digital technologies in strengthening Hajj administration.
He said effective management of Hajj funds required long-term planning beyond financing immediate pilgrimage operations, stressing the need to protect funds and ensure sustainable benefits for future pilgrims.
According to him, Nigeria’s collaboration with Indonesia and other international partners would help promote transparency, improve financial efficiency and strengthen the resilience of Hajj operations against global economic uncertainties.
Yusuf also advocated investment in infrastructure within the Hajj value chain, particularly hospitality and logistics, as a strategy to reduce accommodation costs while generating sustainable returns for Hajj funds.
He maintained that technology-driven financial systems and strategic international partnerships were essential to modernising Hajj administration and safeguarding the interests of present and future pilgrims.
The forum also featured addresses by Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, K.H. Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, and Vice Minister of Finance, Juda Agung.
NAHCON’s participation in the forum underscores Nigeria’s interest in exploring sustainable investment opportunities, strengthening international cooperation and adopting technology-driven approaches to Hajj fund management.
The Head of NAHCON’s Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement.
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