NAHCON warns against unauthorised contracts for 2025 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has warned that it would not be obligated to honour any agreements or contracts entered without the formal approval of the chairman or an officially assigned staff member of the commission.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Prof Abdullahi Usman, gave the warning in a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs of the commission, Fatima Usara, on Monday.

NAHCON hinged the warning on having received information about self-acclaimed agents using the commission’s name to make commitments to service providers for contracts on pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding arrangements in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.

The chairman warned that NAHCON had not authorised any individual, group or agent to enter into contracts or make arrangements on its behalf, adding that the commission strictly conducted official transactions through recognised and authorised personnel.

The statement read: “Information has reached the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that some persons or self-acclaimed agents are using the commission’s name to make commitments to service providers for contracts on pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding arrangements in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.

“Some of these individuals have gone to the extent of making contact with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the name of the commission.

“The chairman of the commission, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, wishes to inform the general public and all stakeholders within the country and beyond that NAHCON has not authorised any individual, group or agent to enter into contracts or make any arrangements or agreements on its behalf whether in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia for next year’s Hajj.

“NAHCON strictly conducts all official transactions through its recognised and authorised personnel, following due process.

“Any agreement or arrangement entered into without formal approval by the chairman and the direct involvement of NAHCON’s staff officially assigned to the task is unauthorised, and the commission will not be obligated to honour such contracts.”

Prof Usman urged the public, service providers within and outside the country and other stakeholders to exercise caution and ensure that all dealings with NAHCON were through official channels.

“NAHCON urges the public, service providers in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, and other stakeholders to exercise caution and ensure that all dealings with NAHCON are done through its official channels of communication.

“This announcement is made to protect the commission’s unsuspecting clientele from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. NAHCON will not take responsibility for any losses incurred by victims of such.

“For any clarification or to verify the authenticity of any NAHCON-related claims, kindly contact the NAHCON office through its official channels,” he said.