The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised intending pilgrims to be on alert in order not to fall victims of fraudsters advertising Hajj slots for this year’s hajj.
The Commission’s chairman and chief executive officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, gave the warning in a statement issued Friday in Abuja by the head of public affairs, Mrs. Fatima Sanda Usara.
He further advised state pilgrims welfare boards to sensitise the faithful, using dominant local languages and through radio, television and other media against falling prey to swindlers.
“The Commission, therefore, warns the public to be wary of falling victims of such dubious deals. In particular, it has come to our notice that a so-called non- governmental organisation is collecting money from intending pilgrims under the guise of securing the travel slots.
“NAHCON distances itself from such unlicensed organisations and is warning the public to be cautious and report any such person or group collecting money for hajj illegally.
“Those allowed to collect hajj fare deposits are state Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Commissions, Agencies, Licensed Tour Operators and Ja’iz Bank under the Hajj Savings Scheme arrangement. Apart from these three, any other channel should be considered illegal,” the statement read in part.
It further charged the Commission’s zonal coordinators to make available to intending pilgrims a list of Licensed Tour Operators in their zones and share this with state welfare boards.
