By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria hereby notifies the general public that the said information is false. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has neither notified NAHCON of any plans to conduct the 2021 Hajj nor the number of slots allocated to the country. When such communication takes place, NAHCON will not hesitate to officially disclose the news and its plans on distribution of slots to respective states.”
The Nigeria’s Hajj management agency, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed advert being circulated on Instagram and “probably” other social media platforms claiming that “it is official, Nigeria finally got 50,000 slots for Hajj 2021/1442AH.”
It said the advert, which “is calling on intending pilgrims to deposit today to secure their Hajj seat”, is fake and warned Muslims to be wary of it.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman by Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, Head, Public Affairs of NAHCON and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Friday, it was clearly stated that:
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria hereby notifies the general public that the said information is false. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has neither notified NAHCON of any plans to conduct the 2021 Hajj nor the number of slots allocated to the country.
“When such communication takes place, NAHCON will not hesitate to officially disclose the news and its plans on distribution of slots to respective states.”
According Usara, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, “hence seizes this medium to warn Nigerian intending pilgrims against falling into the hands of fraudsters in the name of Hajj or Umrah registration.”
She said: “Please note that, in order to make any deposits in anticipation of 2021 Hajj, intending pilgrims are advised to kindly visit any state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare board or go to NAHCON website on https://nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng/umrah-licensed-companies/or www.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng for list of licenced Tour Operators,” the NAHCON Spokesperson said.
Fatima Usara reiterated that until the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially informs the world through its official websites or NAHCON on its plans/guidelines/regulations for 2021 Hajj, any story regarding such should be ignored.
