The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has advised intending pilgrims for the 2020 Hajj under the private quota to continue making deposits to licensed tour operators, pending Saudi Arabia’s final position on the cancellation or otherwise of the operation.
A statement signed by the NAHCON Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda-Usara, said the advice became necessary, following the proliferation of advertisements by Private Tour Operators, PTO, calling on intending pilgrims to make deposits for this year’s Hajj and Umrah.
According to the statement, the Saudi authorities have not yet taken a final decision on its cancellation or otherwise, hence the need for intending pilgrims to thread with caution.
It added that the plan was not applied in Nigeria alone.
It said: “There are other Muslim countries taking these step as well to forestall any last minute unpreparedness.”
It, however, called on intending pilgrims to note that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has cancelled Umrah in 2020 indefinitely.
This, it said, called for clarification in order to protect intending pilgrims from falling victims to swindlers in the guise of PTOs.
“Intending pilgrims can visit the NAHCON website on https://nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng. NAHCON warns intending pilgrims to be cautious against making deposits to illegal tour operators,” the statement said.
The Commission also advises anyone who makes 2020 Hajj deposits to Licensed Tour Operators, LTO, to have it well documented stating clearly every essential detail of agreement.
“This way, NAHCON assures depositors that their monies will be fully refunded if the 2020 Hajj fails to take place and if they wish to have their monies refunded.
“Otherwise, they may equally keep their deposits with the LTOs for another Hajj year in order for the depositors to secure Hajj slots.
“Intending pilgrims are urged to report to NAHCON, any unlicensed tour operator encouraging them to make 2020 Hajj or Umrah payments to their agencies.
“This will enable the Commission to take prompt action against such unlicensed agencies. Complainants can reach the Commission through its website or these numbers: Inspectorate and Compliance: 08033826429, SA (technical) to C/CEO: 07033701605,” the statement read.
