By Fatima Bello
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged full support for the digitisation of Hajj operations in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in improving service delivery, transparency, and accountability.
During a meeting with officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa reiterated the Agency’s commitment to advancing digital literacy nationwide.
He noted that NITDA has developed a National Digital Literacy Framework, aiming for 95% digital literacy by 2030, with an accelerated target of 70% by 2027, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation, which prioritises digital transformation as a key driver of national development. By integrating technology into Hajj operations, NAHCON and NITDA seek to enhance efficiency, create employment opportunities, and improve service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
“This is a challenging task, but it is achievable through collaboration,” Inuwa stated, underscoring the role of digital literacy in fostering an inclusive digital economy.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed the Commission’s readiness to integrate technology into pilgrimage operations. He emphasised that embracing digital transformation would streamline processes and enhance the experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
The proposed partnership with NITDA aims to fully automate NAHCON’s operations, improve logistics and administration during the Hajj season, and ensure cybersecurity and data protection for pilgrims’ information.
Professor Usman further highlighted the need for customised digital platforms tailored to Hajj operations, with plans to establish a joint technical team for their development and implementation.
Speaking at the meeting, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance praised NITDA’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s digital vision. He stressed that incorporating technology into various aspects of the Hajj process—including registration, medical screening, logistics, and real-time monitoring—would enhance efficiency, transparency, and overall pilgrim welfare.
The collaboration between NAHCON and NITDA marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, aligning pilgrimage management with global technological advancements.
