By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, said the persons and companies negotiating contracts with service providers for pilgrims? accommodations and feeding arrangements in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj are impostors.

The commission cautioned service providers in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria against dealing with such individuals and companies falsely claiming to represent it.

The Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, in a statement on Monday October 14th, 2024, said service providers must ensure that all dealings with the commission are done through its official communication channels.

?The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Abdullahi Usman, wishes to inform the general public, and all stakeholders within the country and beyond, that NAHCON has not authorised any individual, group, or agent to enter into contracts or make any arrangements or agreements on its behalf whether in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia for the year?s Hajj.

?NAHCON strictly conducts all official transactions through its recognised and authorised personnel, following due process.

?Any agreement or arrangement entered into without a formal approval by the chairman and the direct involvement of NAHCON?s staff officially assigned to the task is unauthorised, and the Commission will not be obligated to honour such contracts.

?Some of the individuals representing the companies have gone so far as to enter into contracts with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the name of the commission.

?This is to protect the commission?s unsuspecting clientele from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. NAHCON will not take responsibility for any losses incurred by victims of such.

?The public and service providers in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria to exercise caution and ensure that all dealings with the commission are done through its official channels of communication?, the statement added.

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