The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has cautioned intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators against falling victim to fraudsters offering purported “special slots” for the 2027 Hajj.
In a statement issued by its management on Saturday, NAHCON said some individuals posing as its agents or staff had been contacting tour operators and intending pilgrims, requesting money in return for promises of guaranteed Hajj slots.
According to The Punch, the commission described the demands as fraudulent, stressing that no individual, agent, tour operator or other person had been authorised to collect money as a “facilitation fee” or any additional payment for securing special Hajj slots.
“Members of the public, intending pilgrims, and Tour Operators are hereby strongly advised that no individual, agent, Tour Operator, or any other person is authorized to demand, collect, or request any form of payment, ‘facilitation fee,’ or additional money under the guise of guaranteeing, facilitating or securing special Hajj slot allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise,” NAHCON said.
According to the commission, Hajj slot allocation is subject to established procedures and is conducted in line with its guidelines for licensing tour operators, which are already publicly available.
It warned that anyone approaching intending pilgrims or tour operators for payments in exchange for guaranteed slots was acting without its authorisation and should be treated as a fraudster.
“Any person who contacts Tour operators or intending pilgrims requesting money with promises of guaranteed slots is acting fraudulently and without the authority of the Commission. Such actions are illegal and should be reported to the police or other law enforcement agencies,” it said.
NAHCON advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through approved channels, including state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, designated Hajj savings banks and duly licensed tour operators.
The commission also encouraged members of the public to report unsolicited calls, messages or payment demands relating to Hajj slot allocations.
It further reminded pilgrims that allocated slots would be forfeited if pilgrims’ data were not uploaded by September 26, 2026, or if payments were not fully remitted by December 2, 2026.
The commission said the forfeiture would apply irrespective of assurances or claims made by unauthorised individuals.
“NAHCON remains committed to a transparent, fair, and orderly 2027 Hajj exercise. The public is encouraged to rely solely on official communications from the Commission,” the statement read.
The warning came a day after NAHCON announced the approved fares for the 2027 Hajj, with intending pilgrims expected to pay between N7,560,822 and N7,882,822 depending on their departure zones.
The commission said the fares were approved by the Federal Government following consultations with the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and key service providers in Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims departing from the Maiduguri/Yola zone will pay N7,560,822, while those from the Northern Zone will pay N7,672,822.
Those departing from the Southern Zone will pay the highest fare of N7,882,822.
NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to remain vigilant and rely only on official information as preparations for the 2027 Hajj continue.
