By DEJI ABDULWAHAB

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged intending pilgrims and tour operators to disregard unauthorised requests for money under the guise of guaranteeing special Hajj slot allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

According to a circular issued in Abuja on Saturday by the NAHCON management, Hajj slot allocation is strictly governed by the approved processes.

The circular said the allocation was also in full compliance with the commission’s guidelines for licensing of tour operators which was already in the public domain.

The commission said, “Any person who contacts tour operators or intending pilgrims requesting money with promises of guaranteeing 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 has come to the attention of NAHCON that some unscrupulous persons claiming to be agents or staff of the commission are making calls to tour operating companies and intending pilgrims demanding various sums of money with promises of guaranteeing special allocation for 2027 hajj.

“Members of the public, intending pilgrims, and tour operators are hereby strongly advised that no individual, agent, tour operator, or any other person is authorised to demand, collect, or request any form of payment, “facilitation fee,” or additional money under the guise of guaranteeing special Hajj slot allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise.”

The commission urged intending pilgrims to make only payments officially announced for their respective zones through the officially designated state pilgrims welfare agencies, designated Hajj Savings Banks and duly licensed tour operators.

It added that the intending pilgrims should report any unsolicited calls, messages, or demands for extra money related to slot allocation.

The commission noted that failure to meet the published deadlines for pilgrim’s data upload by Sept. 26, 2026 and complete remittance of payments by Dec. 2, 2026 would result in forfeiture of allocated slots, regardless of any claims made by unauthorised persons.

“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.” (NAN)