NAHCON: Make Deposits to Licensed Tour Operators Only
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has received information on theproliferation of advertisements in several electronic, print and social media byPrivate Tour Operators (PTO) calling on intending pilgrims to make deposits for thisyear’s Hajj and Umrah. This indeed calls for clarification in order to protect intendingpilgrims from falling victims to swindlers in the guise of PTOs. Firstly, all intending pilgrims are invited to note that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hascancelled Umrah in 2020 indefinitely. Thus, no one is advised to make paymenttowards embarking on Umrah trip in the year 2020 to any operator.Secondly, as for 2020 Hajj, Saudi Arabian authorities have not taken a final decisionon its cancellation or otherwise. For this reason, NAHCON advises intending pilgrimsto continue with Hajj registration pending the Kingdoms final position. This plan isnot applied in Nigeria alone, there are other Muslim countries taking this step as wellto forestall any last minute unpreparedness.Therefore, NAHCON is advising Muslims planning to embark on the 2020 Hajj underthe private quota to continue making Hajj deposits but ONLY TO NAHCONLICENSED TOUR OPERATORS. Intending pilgrims can visit the NAHCON websiteon https://nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng. NAHCON warns intending pilgrims to be cautiousagainst making deposits to illegal tour operators. The Commission also advises anyone who makes 2020 Hajj deposits to LICENSEDTOUR OPERATORS (LTO) to have it well documented stating clearly everyessential detail of agreement. This way, NAHCON assures depositors that theirmonies will be fully refunded if the 2020 Hajj fails to take place and if they wish tohave their monies refunded. Otherwise, they may equally keep their deposits withthe LTOs for another Hajj year in order for the depositors to secure Hajj slots.Finally, intending pilgrims are urged to report to NAHCON, any unlicensed touroperator encouraging them to make 2020 Hajj or Umrah payments to their agencies.This will enable the Commission to take prompt action against such unlicensedagencies. Complainants can reach the Commission through its website or thesenumbers:Inspectorate and Compliance: 08033826429SA (technical) to C/CEO: 07033701605Fatima Sanda Usara,Head/Public Affairs,For Chairman/CEO
