The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has called for digital reforms and stronger inter-agency collaboration to protect pilgrims’ funds from global economic volatility and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Hajj operations.
The commission’s chairman, Ismail Yusuf, made the call at the 8th International Hajj Fund Forum 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, where policymakers and financial experts discussed sustainable financing for pilgrimage operations.
Yusuf’s position was contained in a statement issued by NAHCON spokesperson, Shafii Mohammed, on Thursday.
The forum was hosted by Indonesia’s Hajj Financial Management Agency at the Jakarta International Convention Centre.
Speaking during a high-level panel, Yusuf stressed the need for closer cooperation among government agencies, financial institutions and international partners to strengthen the management of Hajj funds.
He said digital technology would improve transparency, accountability and decision-making in the administration of pilgrims’ money.
“The future of hajj administration depends on our collective ability to innovate,” Yusuf said.
He noted that sustainable Hajj fund management should go beyond raising money for the next pilgrimage to preserving wealth and generating lasting benefits for future generations.
The NAHCON chairman said technological innovation and international partnerships could help Nigeria develop a more efficient, transparent and financially sustainable Hajj administration.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening ties with global partners, particularly Indonesia, to explore innovative approaches to managing pilgrimage resources.
Yusuf said Nigeria could benefit from Indonesia’s experience, financial technologies and best practices as global economic conditions continued to change.
He also called for increased investment in high-yielding infrastructure across the Hajj value chain, particularly in hospitality and logistics.
According to him, investments in these sectors could reduce accommodation costs for Nigerian pilgrims while generating sustainable returns to strengthen the Hajj fund.
Yusuf said effective investment strategies would help meet pilgrims’ immediate needs while securing the long-term financial future of Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
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