Hajj: Intending pilgrims cautioned against patronising unapproved tour operators

A Hajj and Umrah private agency, Hajj Mabrur, has urged intending pilgrims to be wary of fraudulent tour operators and to patronise only those approved for the 2024 Hajj.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj has approved 40 private tour operators from Nigeria after a screening conducted by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Alhaji Abdul Hameed Solate, said the move has reduced the proliferation of unregistered hajj operators to sanitize the industry.

He said, “Some two or three years ago, around this time, you would have seen different commercials on air, with different companies telling you to come and perform hajj with them, irrespective of their registered status. Due to the new policy, however, the trend is coming down.

“And I don’t think any media will be ready to run such a commercial knowing full well that the company isn’t registered for Hajj 2024. This is showing that the industry is getting sanitized.

“So, my major advice for intending pilgrims is to open their eyes, look at what is there and choose from the list of registered companies.”

Solate also said, “Intending pilgrims do not have any excuse to fall into the wrong hands because the hajj commission has released a list of companies that have been approved or that are qualified to go (for hajj 2024). They have pencilled down 40 companies.

“Intending pilgrims should be able to work with that list. So, anybody who does not fit into that, a pilgrim should be able to question them. Are you on the list or can they prove to the pilgrims that they have a direct link with those companies on the list?

“If intending pilgrims follow those guidelines from the Hajj commission, they will be in safe hands because all eyes are on those 40 companies,” the Hajj Mabrur chief said.