The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has denied allegations of diverting 5,000 slots allocated for the 2027 Hajj, calling the claims unfounded and without evidence. NAHCON's Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, stated that no evidence was presented to show that the disputed slots were allocated in violation of Saudi Arabian Hajj regulations or the Commission's guidelines. The allegations were made by individuals identified as "Concerned Private Travel Operators," whose identities and industry standing were not disclosed.
The controversy surrounding the 2027 Hajj slots allocation has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders. NAHCON said Nigeria's approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj was 50,000 slots, comprising 35,000 slots for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and 15,000 slots for duly licensed private Hajj tour operators. The 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies, in accordance with Nigerian regulatory requirements and Saudi Arabian guidelines.
According to NAHCON, the companies participating in the 2027 Hajj and Umrah operations were incorporated and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant government regulatory agencies. The companies had also undergone applicable regulatory processes and were licensed by NAHCON to operate as Hajj and Umrah tour operators for the 2027 season. This move aims to ensure that only qualified and compliant operators participate in the Hajj exercise.
The Commission attributed the controversy to commercial interests, given the competition among operators for a finite number of Hajj slots. NAHCON also highlighted the deadline set by Saudi authorities for uploading prospective pilgrims' biometric and registration data on the Nusuk-Masar platform, which closes irrevocably on September 26, 2026. The Commission warned that operators who failed to upload their clients' data or fulfil their contractual obligations before the deadline would bear full responsibility for the consequences.
NAHCON expressed concern over instances of deliberate misinformation and diversionary tactics that could mislead intending pilgrims and undermine confidence in the Hajj administration process. The Commission warned that operators found to have violated regulatory requirements could face sanctions, including suspension, revocation of licences, and blacklisting from future Hajj operations. This stern warning aims to ensure compliance with established rules and procedures.
The Commission urged intending premium pilgrims who registered through private travel agencies to urgently verify their enrolment status and ensure that their biometric and registration details had been successfully uploaded onto the Nusuk platform before the September 26 deadline. NAHCON emphasized the importance of addressing genuine concerns over the allocation process through facts, regulations, documentary evidence, and established dispute-resolution mechanisms, rather than anonymous allegations.
In conclusion, NAHCON's denial of the allegations and emphasis on evidence-based claims aim to maintain transparency and credibility in the Hajj administration process. The Commission's warning to operators and pilgrims underscores the importance of adhering to established rules and deadlines to ensure a successful 2027 Hajj exercise.
Key points
- NAHCON denies allegations of diverting 5,000 Hajj slots for 2027, citing lack of evidence.
- The Commission attributes the controversy to commercial interests and competition among operators.
- NAHCON warns operators to comply with regulatory requirements and deadlines to avoid sanctions.
