2027 Hajj: NAHCON warns against fraudulent ‘special slot’ scams

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a stern warning to intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators regarding fraudulent individuals claiming to offer special slots for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON stated in a release that unscrupulous persons, posing as agents or staff of the commission, have been contacting tour operators and prospective pilgrims. These individuals are demanding various sums of money with promises of guaranteed Hajj slots. The commission has unequivocally described these demands as fraudulent.

"No individual, agent, tour operator, or any other person is authorized to demand, collect, or request any form of payment, 'facilitation fee,' or additional money under the guise of guaranteeing, facilitating or securing special Hajj slot allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise," NAHCON emphasized. The commission clarified that the allocation of Hajj slots is strictly governed by approved processes and its established guidelines for licensing tour operators.

“

No individual, agent, tour operator, or any other person is authorized to demand, collect, or request any form of payment, ‘facilitation fee,’ or additional money under the guise of guaranteeing, facilitating or securing special Hajj slot allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON urged the public to report any unsolicited calls, messages, or demands for extra payments related to Hajj slot allocations to the police or other law enforcement agencies. It reiterated that anyone contacting tour operators or intending pilgrims with promises of guaranteed slots is acting fraudulently and without the commission's authority. Pilgrims are advised to make payments only through officially designated channels, including state pilgrims' welfare agencies, designated Hajj savings banks, and duly licensed tour operators.

The commission also reminded intending pilgrims of the published deadlines for uploading pilgrim data by September 26, 2026, and completing payment remittances by December 2, 2026. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the forfeiture of allocated slots, regardless of any claims made by unauthorized individuals. NAHCON stressed its commitment to a transparent and fair Hajj exercise and encouraged the public to rely solely on official communications from the Commission.

“

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. Such actions are illegal and should be reported to the police or other law enforcement agencies.