NAHCON Warns Tour Operators, Pilgrims Against Fake 2027 Hajj Slot Offers
By Auwal Ahamd Umar
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators against individuals allegedly posing as Commission officials or agents to demand money in exchange for guaranteed slots for the 2027 Hajj.
The Commission issued the warning in a public notice dated August 15, 2026, following reports that some unscrupulous individuals had been contacting tour operating companies and intending pilgrims with promises of securing special allocations.
NAHCON described such demands as fraudulent, stressing that no individual, agent, tour operator, or other person has been authorised to collect money, facilitation fees or any additional payment for the purpose of guaranteeing or securing special Hajj slots.
According to the Commission, allocation of Hajj slots is subject to approved procedures and must comply with its established guidelines for the licensing and operations of tour operators.
It urged members of the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls, messages or approaches from persons claiming they could influence the allocation process in exchange for payment.
“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,” NAHCON said.
The Commission advised anyone who receives such demands to report them to the police or other relevant law enforcement agencies.
NAHCON also reminded intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially recognised channels, including State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, designated Hajj savings banks and duly licensed Hajj tour operators.
It further warned pilgrims and operators to observe the deadlines set for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The Commission said pilgrims’ data must be uploaded by September 26, 2026, while complete remittance of payments is required by December 2, 2026.
Failure to meet the deadlines, it added, could lead to the forfeiture of allocated slots, regardless of assurances or claims made by unauthorised individuals.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, fair and orderly 2027 Hajj operation, urging the public to rely exclusively on official information and communications issued by the Commission.
The warning comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj gather momentum, with NAHCON urging pilgrims and tour operators to avoid intermediaries seeking to exploit the allocation process for financial gain.
