NAHCON Warns Nigerians Against Fraudulent “Special Slot” Offers Ahead of 2027 Hajj!

Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Obaland magazine.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators against fraudulent individuals offering purported “special slots” for the 2027 Hajj, warning Nigerians to verify all pilgrimage arrangements through officially recognised channels.

The warning comes as preparations for the 1448AH/2027 Hajj gather pace across Nigeria. NAHCON has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to commence preparations in accordance with timelines and guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia.

The Commission’s latest warning is particularly significant because the early stages of Hajj registration and payment can create opportunities for fraudsters to exploit prospective pilgrims who are eager to secure places for the pilgrimage.

NAHCON urges pilgrims to use authorised channels

NAHCON has consistently maintained that intending pilgrims should make Hajj-related payments only through recognised State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions or licensed private tour operators.

The Commission has previously warned Nigerians against individuals and organisations claiming to have access to guaranteed Hajj allocations, special sponsorship arrangements or other unofficial channels for securing pilgrimage slots.

In an earlier public notice, NAHCON specifically warned against dubious persons advertising Hajj slots and collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public. The Commission stated that only authorised channels are permitted to collect Hajj fare deposits.

For the 2027 Hajj, NAHCON has set a minimum initial deposit of ₦4 million, while the final pilgrimage fare is expected to be determined after consultations with stakeholders and negotiations with service providers in Saudi Arabia. The Commission has also set September 26, 2026, as the deadline for collection of initial deposits by relevant state agencies and licensed private tour operators.

What intending pilgrims should know

The existence of a Hajj “slot” does not mean that every person claiming to have one is authorised to sell or transfer it.

Prospective pilgrims should therefore be cautious of individuals who demand payments outside established registration procedures, particularly when such offers are presented as exclusive, urgent or guaranteed opportunities.

NAHCON has previously warned that it does not recognise unauthorised individuals or agents making commitments or contractual arrangements on behalf of the Commission. In October 2024, the Commission said arrangements made without its formal approval would not be honoured and urged stakeholders to transact through official communication channels.

The Commission has also repeatedly cautioned pilgrims against additional or unauthorised charges, advising anyone asked to make such payments to report the request with supporting evidence.

Growing preparations for 2027 Hajj

The scam warning comes amid broader efforts to improve Nigeria’s Hajj administration.

NAHCON has unveiled a reform agenda for the 2027 pilgrimage focusing on pilgrim welfare, accountability and digitalisation. The initiative followed a stakeholders’ review of the 2026 Hajj and is intended to improve service delivery and strengthen oversight of the pilgrimage process.

The Federal Government has also disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj have commenced in line with Saudi timelines. NAHCON Chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf said Nigeria had been allocated about 50,000 pilgrimage slots for the 2027 exercise, while discussions continue over proposed changes that could increase the role of private tour operators in Hajj administration.

The development makes proper verification increasingly important for prospective pilgrims, particularly as private operators continue to play a significant role in facilitating Hajj travel.

Reputable reports reinforce official guidance

The Voice of Nigeria (VON) has reported that NAHCON commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj and directed authorised bodies to begin collecting deposits from intending pilgrims. VON also reported the Commission’s instruction that payments should be made only through official State Pilgrims Welfare Boards or licensed tour operators, with pilgrims advised to obtain receipts for their transactions.

Muslim News Nigeria similarly reported the commencement of Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj preparations, including NAHCON’s ₦4 million minimum initial deposit and September 26 deadline.

Meanwhile, reports by The Abuja Inquirer and other local outlets have documented the commencement of 2027 Hajj registration at the state level, underscoring the fact that legitimate registration is already taking place through recognised institutions.

Obaland Magazine’s advisory

For intending pilgrims, the safest approach is simple: verify before paying.

Anyone offered a “special slot”, discounted allocation, guaranteed Hajj place or preferential arrangement should first confirm the claim with NAHCON or the relevant State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Payments should not be made into personal accounts or handed to unverified intermediaries merely because they claim to be connected to Hajj authorities or licensed operators.

Prospective pilgrims should also insist on official documentation and receipts for every legitimate transaction.

As preparations for the 2027 Hajj advance, vigilance remains essential. Protecting pilgrims from financial exploitation is not only a regulatory responsibility but also a matter of public trust, particularly given the religious and financial significance of Hajj to millions of Muslims.

Sources:

• National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
• Voice of Nigeria (VON) – 2027 Hajj preparations
• Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation – 2027 Hajj preparations
• Muslim News Nigeria
• The Abuja Inquirer – 2027 Hajj registration

NAHCON warns intending Nigerian pilgrims against fraudulent “special slot” offers ahead of the 2027 Hajj and urges applicants to use only authorised registration and payment channels.