The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Thursday said 14 tour operators were operating illegally in Kaduna State.
The commission made the disclosure in Kaduna after inspecting the operators engaged in organising trips for Umrah and Hajj in the state.
Malam Muhammad Gireri, who led the commission’s officials, said only seven of the tour companies in the state have valid licences.
He said that the affected companies have been given a 21-day period within which to obtain valid operation licence.
Gireri said: “Though we have not yet closed any company, but we have given them 21 days to comply with the commission’s mandate or face the law.”
According to him, any tour operator that wants to partake in Hajj activities must obtain licence from NAHCON.
Gireri disclosed that the commission had received series of complains from intending pilgrims, who were duped by the unregistered companies.
He said: “When we checked our records, we found out that those companies were not registered with NAHCON.
“Our mandate is to fish out all the fake companies and ensure that they face the law.”
Gireri advised the general public to always deal with licenced tour operators whenever they intend to ravel for Umrah or Hajj.
Source: Today.ng
