The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators against paying money to individuals claiming they can secure guaranteed or special slots for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The commission issued the warning in a statement on Saturday, following reports that some unscrupulous individuals posing as NAHCON agents or staff had been contacting tour operators and intending pilgrims to demand money in exchange for promises of special Hajj slot allocations.
NAHCON stressed that no individual, agent, tour operator or other person has been authorised to demand or collect any form of payment as a “facilitation fee” or additional charge to secure Hajj slots.
The commission said Hajj slot allocations are governed by approved procedures and carried out in accordance with its guidelines for licensing tour operators.
It described anyone requesting money from pilgrims or tour operators under the guise of guaranteeing Hajj slots as a fraudster acting without the commission’s authorisation.
NAHCON urged members of the public to report such individuals to the police or other relevant law enforcement agencies.
The commission also advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially recognised channels, including state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, designated Hajj savings banks and duly licensed tour operators.
It further urged the public to report unsolicited calls, messages or demands for additional payments relating to the allocation of 2027 Hajj slots.
