Ahead of next year’s pilgrimage, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intimated intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators to be wary of fraudulent individuals demanding money in exchange for special slots.

According to NAHCON, intelligent reports revealed cases of unscrupulous persons posing as NAHCON staff and agents attempting to defraud unsuspecting individuals.

The Commission, in a public notice issued on Saturday, the individuals posing in disguise to guarantee or facilitate special allocations for the 2027 Hajj are not NAHCON staff insisted that the Commission had not authorized any individual or agent to solicit fare on her behalf.

In the release, the Commission stressed that no individual, agent, tour operator or other person has been authorized to demand or collect any payment, facilitation fee or additional money under the guise of securing or guaranteeing a special Hajj slot.

NAHCON explained that the allocation of Hajj slots is strictly governed by approved procedures and its guidelines for the licensing of tour operators, which are already in the public domain.

It warned that anyone contacting tour operators or intending pilgrims to demand money in exchange for guaranteed slots was acting without the authority of the Commission and should be reported to the police or other relevant law enforcement agencies.

The Commission urged intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially designated channels, including State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, designate Hajj Savings Banks and duly licensed tour operators.

It also advised members of the public to report unsolicited calls, messages or demands for additional payments connected to Hajj slot allocation.

NAHCON further reminded stakeholders that failure to meet the published deadline for pilgrims’ data upload by September 26, 2026, and complete remittance of payments by December 2, 2026, would result in forfeiture of allocated slots, regardless of claims made by unauthorized persons.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, fair and orderly 2027 Hajj exercise, urging the public to rely solely on official communications from NAHCON.