By Taofeek Lawal, Abuja
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has debunked the rumour making round that Saudi Arabia authorities have allocated 50,000 seats for 2021 hajj. The Head Public Affairs, NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, disclosed this in Abuja.
“The attention of the commission has been drawn to an advert circulated on Instagram and probably other social media platforms claiming that it is official, Nigeria finally got 50,000 slots for Hajj 2021/1442 AH. The advert is calling on intending pilgrims to deposit today to secure their Hajj seats. 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,” the statement read.
According to Usara, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Alhaji zikrullah Hassan, has warned Nigerian intending pilgrims against falling into the hands of fraudsters in the name of Hajj or Umrah registration.
“Please not 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 licensed tour operators. Again, until the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially informs the world through its official websites or NAHCON on its plans, guidelines, regulations for 2021 Hajj, please ignore any story regarding such,” Usara added.