NAHCON rejects diversion claim, explains slot allocation

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has firmly rejected allegations of slot diversion for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, labeling the claims as baseless and driven by commercial motives. In a recent statement, NAHCON clarified that the 50,000 allocated slots are distributed among states, the Federal Capital Territory, and licensed private operators.

The Commission emphasized that those raising concerns about slot divestment should differentiate between factual evidence and speculative allegations. NAHCON highlighted that the accusations were primarily directed at unnamed individuals, whose identities were not disclosed, thus casting doubt on their credibility. Despite the sensational nature of the allegations, NAHCON stated that no concrete evidence has surfaced to support the claims of slot diversion.

The Commission further explained that the allocation process for the 2027 Hajj adheres strictly to Saudi regulations and NAHCON guidelines, with no evidence indicating a breach of these policies. The Commission also addressed the digital registration requirements, stressing that the deadline for uploading pilgrim data on the Saudi Nusuk-Masar platform is September 26, 2026.

Operators who fail to comply with these requirements may face regulatory sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licenses. NAHCON urged operators and intending pilgrims to fulfill their obligations promptly and provided guidance on verifying enrollment status and ensuring data upload compliance. The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, urging stakeholders to base their assessments on verifiable facts and established regulations.