NAHCON warns pilgrims of 2027 Hajj scams as official fares announced

Fraudsters are targeting prospective pilgrims as the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage approaches, prompting the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to issue a public alert. These scammers contact tour operators and individual pilgrims alike, falsely claiming affiliation with NAHCON or posing as duly authorized representatives while soliciting payments for assured allocations.

The commission emphasized it has delegated no authority to any person or entity for collecting funds, processing facilitation fees, or guaranteeing special slot assignments through unofficial avenues. Multiple complaints have reached NAHCON from the public regarding these deceptive operations.

Using assorted pretexts, the fraudsters extract money from vulnerable pilgrims by dangling promises of exclusive access or priority placement during the 2027 exercise. The commission has made clear it authorized no such payments whatsoever and called upon the public to report all questionable contacts or money demands to law enforcement.

In a separate development, NAHCON unveiled federally approved fares for the 2027 Hajj after engaging state pilgrims' welfare boards and Saudi Arabian service providers in consultation. Official charges span from ₦7,560,822 to ₦7,882,822, with variation based on departure zones.

Those departing from Maiduguri and Yola will remit ₦7,560,822, while Northern Zone travelers owe ₦7,672,822. Pilgrims based in the Southern Zone must pay the steeper amount.

Those who deposited ₦5 million previously now face an obligation to clear their outstanding balances. By releasing both fraud warnings and legitimate fare schedules simultaneously, NAHCON seeks to equip pilgrims to discern official pronouncements from criminal solicitations.

Specific individuals or organizations behind the schemes remain unnamed in the commission's statement, though it stressed that all genuine Hajj payments and procedures occur exclusively through official government channels.