Hajj 2027: NAHCON warns operators against misinformation over slot allocation

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned private Hajj tour operators against spreading misinformation regarding the allocation of slots for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage. In a statement, NAHCON rejected allegations that 5,000 Hajj slots were improperly diverted, asserting that there was no evidence to support the claims or demonstrate any violation of Saudi Arabian Hajj regulations or the commission's guidelines.

The commission explained that Nigeria's approved slots for the 2027 Hajj total 50,000, with 35,000 allocated to states and the FCT, and 15,000 for licensed private operators operating under seven approved lead companies. NAHCON urged operators to base their concerns on facts, regulations, and established dispute resolution mechanisms rather than anonymous allegations.

The commission noted a coordinated campaign centered around unfounded allegations of Hajj slot diversion, which aimed to distract from operators' failure to comply with Saudi regulatory requirements, deadlines, and digital upload obligations. The allegations were attributed to unnamed individuals whose motivations and credibility remained undisclosed.

NAHCON emphasized that the controversy was largely commercial in nature, urging stakeholders to rely on facts and regulations. The commission warned of sanctions, including suspension, licence revocation, and blacklisting, for operators who fail to meet obligations and upload data before the September 26, 2026 deadline, as mandated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Intending pilgrims registered through private agencies were advised to verify that their biometric and registration data were uploaded to the Nusuk platform before the deadline.