The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned intending pilgrims and the general public to beware of dubious persons advertising Hajj slots.
The Commission gave the warning through a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara on Friday, 28 May 2021.
READ ALSO: 2021 Hajj: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah yet to make pronouncement – NAHCON
The statement read: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) here brings to the notice of hopeful pilgrims and the general public of fraudulent activities linked to the sponsorship of Hajj 2021 and some dubious persons advertising Hajj slots under the guise of being assured of Hajj allocation.
“The Commission, therefore, warns the general public to be wary of falling victims of such dubious deals. In particular, it has come to our notice that a so-called Non-Governmental Organisation is collecting intending pilgrims’ money: N50,000 for form and another N100,000.00 for free $100,000 BTA (Basic Travelling Allowance), with the promise of sponsoring eligible candidates to Hajj for free. No such organisation is registered with the Commission and no unregistered company is authorised to organise Hajj or collect monies for Hajj for anyone or any group of persons. NAHCON distances itself from such unlicensed organisations and is warning the public to be cautious and report any such person or group collecting money for Hajj illegally.”
It stated further that “Those allowed to collect Hajj fare deposits are State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Commissions/Agencies, Licensed Tour Operators and Ja’iz Bank under the Hajj Savings Scheme arrangement. Apart from these three, any order channel should be considered illegal. Please find a list of Licensed Tour Operators on NAHCON’s website: https://www.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng.
“Consequently, the Commission here advises State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to sensitise their states’ Muslim public; using dominant local languages; thorough any possible means: radio, television, during enlightenment programs etc. against falling preys to swindlers whether in Nigeria or if they travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. And that they must pay for Hajj only through NAHCON’s authorised channels”, the statement said.
NAHCON urged Zonal coordinators to make a list of Licensed Tour Operators under their zones and share with state welfare boards as well as display same in their head offices for public consumption.
“Kindly consider this urgent in order to protect innocent Nigerian Muslims from fraudsters” the statement added.
