TAJBank Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on the Hajj Savings Scheme.

TAJBank CEO Hamid Joda announced this on Monday in Abuja, during the signing of the MoU. Mr Joda said that it was in furtherance of its ethical banking drive to support worthy causes in Nigeria’s sustainable development.

He said that the pact would further enable TAJBank to extend the frontiers of its socio-economic interventions to aspiring pilgrims nationwide, particularly at a time when airfares are surging.

“Potential pilgrims are finding it challenging to cope with the rising costs of pilgrimage. Let me say that the MoU with the NAHCON on the HSS aligns with our mission to support the needy in Nigeria.

”With this deal, TAJBank will explore its strong digital platforms and physical networks in our branches to take the HSS to the grassroots and enable intending pilgrims to access funds at ease for their travels.

“We are going to avail the opportunity created by our partnership with the NAHCON to demonstrate to Muslims intending to go on Hajj to consider TAJBank as their preferred choice among other lenders,” he said.

The NAHCON chairman, Abdullahi Usman, said that the HSS had created a structured pathway for pilgrims in the country. According to Mr Usman, in the past, many prospective pilgrims were eager to enrol but were limited by inadequate awareness of funding options.

“With the collaboration with TAJBank and other non-interest banks on the HSS, the commission will rev up its sensitisation efforts. This will be done through the Ulama, traditional and digital media platforms, to enlighten the public on the long-term benefits of the scheme,” he said.

He commended TAJBank and the other banks for collaborating with the NAHCON in furtherance of its roles aimed at making Hajj easier for intending pilgrims.

He assured that the commission would provide the required platform, guidelines, and regulatory support for the successful implementation of the HSS.

(NAN)