The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has denied allegations of diverting 5,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj, describing the report as unfounded and unsubstantiated. In a statement, NAHCON's Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, said the report was built on claims by unnamed individuals and was driven by vested commercial interests. The allegations were made by a select group of licensed private tour operators.
According to NAHCON, the report in question was published by THISDAY Newspaper and was titled "Hajj 2027: Private Operators Demand Probe of Diverted 5,000 Slots." The commission stated that the report was based on claims by "Concerned Private Travel Operators," but did not provide any evidence of wrongdoing. NAHCON argued that the allegations were designed to shift attention away from the inability of certain operators to comply with regulatory requirements.
NAHCON clarified that Nigeria's approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj is 50,000 slots, comprising 35,000 slots for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 15,000 slots for licensed private Hajj tour operators. The 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to duly licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies. The commission stated that the companies participating in the 2027 Hajj and Umrah operations are duly incorporated and registered with relevant government agencies.
The commission further clarified that the companies have undergone regulatory processes and have been licensed to operate as Hajj and Umrah tour operators for the 2027 season. NAHCON stated that the entities remain subject to the same regulatory framework, compliance obligations, sanctions, and disciplinary measures applicable to all licensed operators. The commission emphasized that fairness demands that its position be considered on its merits rather than being overshadowed by allegations and insinuations.
NAHCON accused the private operators of propagating a coordinated and diversionary campaign built around entirely unfounded allegations of Hajj slot diversion. The commission stated that the anonymity of the accusers makes it impossible for the public to properly assess their credibility, standing, or motives. NAHCON emphasized that no evidence has been presented to establish that any illegality occurred in the allocation of the disputed 5,000 slots.
According to NAHCON, the concerns raised by the private operators are largely framed around perceptions and commercial grievances rather than documented breaches of established rules or procedures. The commission stated that the report itself acknowledges that NAHCON provided a clear explanation regarding the allocation process. NAHCON emphasized that it is essential to separate verifiable facts from speculation and legitimate concerns from narratives driven by vested commercial interests.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has urged stakeholders to be cautious of misinformation and to consider the commission's position on the allocation of Hajj slots for 2027. The commission emphasized that it is committed to transparency and fairness in the allocation of slots and that it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful Hajj exercise.
Key points
- NAHCON denies allegations of diverting 5,000 Hajj slots, saying the report is unfounded and driven by commercial interests.
- The commission clarifies that Nigeria's approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj is 50,000 slots.
- NAHCON accuses private operators of propagating misinformation and making unsubstantiated allegations.
