The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and digital reforms to protect Hajj funds against global financial volatility.

NAHCON chairman Ismail Yusuf made the call at the 8th International Hajj Fund Forum (IHFF) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Mr Yusuf’s position was noted in a statement on Thursday by Shafii Mohammed, the commission’s spokesperson.

Indonesia’s Hajj Financial Management Agency hosted the forum at the Jakarta International Convention Centre. The event attracted international policymakers, financial experts and institutional leaders to discuss sustainable Hajj fund management and stronger financial systems supporting pilgrimage operations.

Mr Yusuf joined a high-level panel alongside BPKH executive board chief Fadlul Imansyah and other international dignitaries. He presented Nigeria’s perspectives on sustainable pilgrimage financing, restating the importance of stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions and international partners.

According to him, closer coordination was essential to protecting Hajj operations against global economic uncertainties.

Mr Yusuf said robust digital systems would enhance financial transparency, strengthen accountability and improve decision-making in the administration of pilgrims’ funds.

“The future of hajj administration depends on our collective ability to innovate,” he said, stressing the need for new approaches to pilgrimage financing.

He explained that effective hajj fund management should extend beyond financing the next pilgrimage to preserving wealth and generating sustainable benefits for future generations.

Mr Yusuf said technological transformation and international partnerships could help Nigeria develop more transparent, efficient and financially sustainable hajj operations. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to strengthening relationships with global partners, particularly Indonesia, to explore innovative solutions for managing pilgrimage resources.

Such partnerships, he said, would enable Nigeria to leverage international experience, financial technologies and best practices amid changing global economic conditions.

Mr Yusuf also advocated 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.

He said effective investment strategies would address pilgrims’ immediate needs while supporting the long-term financial security of Nigeria’s hajj administration.

(NAN)