The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed allegations of diverting 5,000 Hajj slots. The commission described the claim as misinformation. It said the allegations are being propagated by a group of licensed private Hajj tour operators. The statement was issued by Shafii Mohammed, Head of Information and Publications.
Hajj administration in Nigeria is a lucrative and contested sector. Private operators compete for limited slots allocated by Saudi Arabia. In 2023, similar disputes arose over slot allocation. In 2024, operators protested against NAHCON’s policies. The commission regulates the industry. Operators depend on it for access. The tension is structural. The current dispute follows the same pattern.
Mohammed said the commission’s attention was drawn to a report demanding a probe of diverted slots. He said the report was part of a misinformation campaign. “It is important to separate verifiable facts from speculation,” he said. He said the allegations were not supported with evidence.
He explained that Nigeria’s approved allocation for 2027 is 50,000 slots. Of that, 35,000 are for states and the FCT. 15,000 are for licensed private operators. The private slots were allocated to operators under seven approved lead companies. He said the companies are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and licensed by NAHCON.
Mohammed said the real challenge is the Saudi Nusuk-Masar platform. The digital gateway closes on 26 September 2026. He said some operators have failed to upload their clients’ biometric and registration data. He warned that operators who fail to comply will bear the consequences. The commission will invoke sanctions, including suspension, revocation and blacklisting.
He advised intending pilgrims who registered through private agencies to verify their enrolment status. They should ensure their details are uploaded before the deadline.
Winners: NAHCON, which defends its position. Operators who complied, who face less competition. Intending pilgrims, who are warned to verify. Losers: Operators accused of non-compliance, who face sanctions. Pilgrims whose operators fail them, who may miss Hajj. The commission, if the allegations are proven. The industry, which faces reputational damage.
Bottom Line: NAHCON denies diverting slots. It points to operators who missed the Saudi deadline. The portal closes on 26 September. Pilgrims should check their status. The dispute is commercial. The risk is spiritual.