The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has warned Muslims against falling prey to fraudsters posing as tour operators on social media.
The group in a press statement by the national coordinator, Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi said, “On Hajj 2021, the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) under its present leadership of Alh. Dhikrullahi Hassan has repeatedly stated through the mass-media that Saudi Authorities are yet to officially allocate Hajj slots to any nation.
It is no longer fresh news that even though there will be Hajj this year In-sha-Allah, the number of pilgrims to be allowed by Saudi Authorities has been drastically reduced!
MMWG therefore see advertisements by Tour Operators comprising of International Travelling Agencies, Hajj Travels Companies under whatever guise for people to come and pay for 2021 Hajj till now is totally suspicious and questionable, because those who paid to them and the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards as well as FCT (in 2020) and did not collect their Hajj fees would be prioritised for this year’s Hajj.”
He added that, “In the past, some fraudulent tour operators in this country have duped several pilgrims who wanted to travel with them through international routes by collecting payment without registering them for Hajj.
The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria therefore warned intending Muslim pilgrims to be wary of this scammers who up till now use electronic media to advertise their Agencies even though no slot has been officially given to any Nation till today.”
It commended the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for its regulatory roles aimed at sanctioning fraudulent tour operators.
It also commended NAHCON for its achievements so far on Hajj Saving Scheme, training of staff for effective Hajj operation and its effort in reducing Hajj fees and number of days spent during Hajj.
