2027 Hajj: NAHCON warns against fraudulent requests for money

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned intending pilgrims, private tour operators and members of the public against fraudsters posing as agents or staff of the commission and demanding money in exchange for guaranteed 2027 Hajj slots.

The commission issued the warning in a public notice on Saturday, stating that it had not authorised any individual to demand, collect or request any payment, “facilitation fee” or additional money to guarantee, facilitate or secure special Hajj slot allocations for the 2027 pilgrimage.

NAHCON said it had received reports of individuals contacting tour operating companies and intending pilgrims, demanding various sums of money while promising to secure special allocations for them.

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It described such persons as fraudsters acting without the commission’s authorisation and urged anyone approached with such demands to report the matter to the police or other relevant law enforcement agencies.

The commission said Hajj slot allocation was strictly governed by approved procedures and its guidelines for the licensing of tour operators, which are already in the public domain.

It advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially designated channels, including State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, designated Hajj Savings Banks and duly licensed tour operators.

NAHCON also urged members of the public to report unsolicited calls, messages or demands for additional payments relating to Hajj slot allocations.

The commission warned that failure to meet the published deadlines for pilgrims’ data upload by September 26 and complete remittance of payments by December 2 would result in forfeiture of allocated slots, regardless of claims made by unauthorised individuals.

NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair and orderly 2027 Hajj exercise, urging the public to rely solely on official communications from the commission.