The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says the newly introduced Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS) will afford every Muslim, opportunity to perform Holy Pilgrimage without difficulties.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday in Kano ahead of the launch of the scheme in Kano, the state coordinator, Dr Aliyu Tanko said it will also help create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He said intending pilgrims wishing to perform holy pilgrimage through the scheme can go via tour operators or through NAHCON, because tour operators were also included in the scheme.
“You know, it is a standing order that 95 per cent of Hajj seats are allocated to NAHCON every year, tour operators get about 20 per cent out of that.
“Anyone wishing to go to Hajj using the HSS but through the tour operators can do so, the scheme is easy and effective,” he said.
“The scheme will help Muslim faithful both rich and low-income-earner to perform Hajj with ease.
“It is economically effective as it will provide job opportunities,” Tanko said.
He said that intending pilgrims can join the scheme through the internet, adding that their deposits would be saved in either Ja’iz Bank or UBA.
The coordinator assured on safety of the deposits, adding that the money will be kept using interest-free banking system.
Tanko said that NAHCON plans to open registration offices in Local Government Areas across the country to ease registration.
NAHCON had recently launched the scheme, aimed at allowing intending pilgrims to save money gradually towards performing Hajj.