NAHCON rejects diversion claim, explains slot allocation

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed reports alleging the diversion of 5,000 slots allocated for the 2027 Hajj exercise, describing the claims as unfounded allegations driven by commercial interests.

In a statement, NAHCON said stakeholders had the right to seek clarification on issues affecting the Hajj industry but urged the public to distinguish between verifiable facts and speculation.

The Commission said the allegations of “Hajj slot diversion” were aimed at shifting attention away from the failure of some operators to meet regulatory requirements, timelines and digital upload obligations stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 2027 pilgrimage.

SPONSOR AD

--> NAHCON also questioned the credibility of the sources behind the report, noting that the allegations were attributed largely to unnamed individuals described as “Concerned Private Travel Operators.”

--> It said the identities and status of the individuals were not disclosed, making it difficult for the public to determine whether they were established stakeholders, unsuccessful applicants, competing operators or parties affected by the current allocation framework.

“Despite the sensational nature of the allegations, no evidence whatsoever has been presented to establish that any illegality occurred,” the Commission said.

According to NAHCON, there has been no demonstration that the allocation of the disputed 5,000 slots breached Saudi Arabian Hajj regulations, NAHCON guidelines or any other policy governing Hajj operations in Nigeria.

How 50,000 slots were allocated

NAHCON said Nigeria’s approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj is 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.

It said the 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies, in line with Nigerian regulatory requirements and the guidelines of the Saudi authorities.

The Commission added that the companies participating in the 2027 Hajj and Umrah operations were incorporated and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant government agencies.

It said the companies had also undergone the required regulatory processes and obtained NAHCON licences to operate as Hajj and Umrah tour operators for the 2027 season.

According to the Commission, the operators remain subject to the same regulatory framework, compliance requirements, sanctions and disciplinary measures applicable to other licensed operators.

The Commission said the controversy over the allocation appeared to be linked largely to competition among operators for a limited number of Hajj slots.

It argued that changes in allocation structures, the emergence of new operators and adjustments to existing arrangements could lead to disagreements among stakeholders.

NAHCON also drew attention to the digital registration requirements for the 2027 Hajj, particularly the Saudi Nusuk-Masar platform.

The Commission said the Saudi authorities had fixed September 26, 2026, as the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ biometric and registration data on the platform.

It stressed that the deadline was set by the Saudi authorities and that NAHCON had no power to extend it.

The Commission said some operators should instead focus on registering their clients, uploading biometric information and remitting funds within the stipulated period.

“Operators who fail to upload their clients’ data or fulfill their contractual obligations before the closure of the Saudi portal will bear full responsibility for the consequences of such failures,” it said.

NAHCON said it was documenting what it described as deliberate misinformation capable of misleading intending pilgrims and undermining confidence in the Hajj administration process.

It warned that operators who failed to meet their obligations could face regulatory sanctions, including suspension, revocation of licences and blacklisting from future Hajj operations.

The Commission also advised 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 to the Nusuk platform before the September 26 deadline.

NAHCON said any genuine concerns about the allocation process should be addressed through documentary evidence, relevant regulations and established dispute-resolution mechanisms.

It maintained that, until credible evidence was presented showing that rules had been breached, allegations of diversion, manipulation or impropriety remained unsubstantiated.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, saying the integrity of the country’s Hajj administration should be assessed based on established facts, compliance with Saudi regulations and measurable outcomes.