The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned imtending pilgrims and the general public against fraudulent activities linked to the sponsorship of Hajj 2021.
The Commission in a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, warned the general public to be wary of falling victims to such dubious deals.
“In particular, it has come to our notice that a so-called Non-Governmental Organization is collecting intending pilgrims’ money: N50,000 for form and another N100,000.00 for free $100,000 BTA (Basic Travelling Allowance), with the promise of sponsoring eligible candidates to Hajj for free.
“No such organization is registered with the Commission and no unregistered company is authorized to organize Hajj or collect monies for Hajj for anyone or any group of persons.
“NAHCON distances itself from such unlicensed organizations and is warning the public to be cautious and report any such person or group collecting money for Hajj illegally,” Usara said.
She stated that those allowed to collect Hajj fare deposits were State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Commissions/Agencies, Licensed Tour Operators and Ja’iz Bank under the Hajj Savings Scheme arrangement.
Usara said apart from these three, any order channel should be considered illegal.
She said the list of Licensed Tour Operators could be found on NAHCON’s website: https://www.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng
Usara said the Commission advised State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to sensitize their states’ Muslim public; using dominant local languages; through any possible means: radio, television, during enlightenment programmes etc. against falling preys to swindlers whether in Nigeria or if they travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and that they must pay for Hajj only through NAHCON authorized channels.
She said NAHCON Zonal coordinators were also encouraged to make a list of Licensed Tour Operators under their zones and share with state welfare boards as well as display the same in their head offices for public consumption.
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