The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has raised serious concerns regarding the proliferation of fraudulent social media accounts and online groups falsely claiming to represent the regulatory body. These unauthorized platforms have been actively sharing publications and statements without official endorsement.
In a formal statement issued in Abuja by the commission's Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed, the agency emphasized that it maintains no association with any social media page, group, or handle operating outside its officially sanctioned communication channels.
What are the official communication channels of NAHCON?
To curb the spread of misinformation, the commission outlined its verified digital footprint for public awareness. The recognized platforms include the official website at nahcon.gov.ng, alongside verified handles across major social networks: Facebook (@nigeriahajjcom), X, formerly known as Twitter (@nigeriahajjcom), Instagram (@nigeriahajjcom), and YouTube (youtube.com/@nahcon).
"The Commission is particularly concerned about the circulation of unverified, misleading and potentially harmful content by individuals and groups who use the Commission’s identity to create a false impression of official affiliation," the agency stated.
What advice has the commission given to the public?
NAHCON has urged citizens and intending pilgrims to exercise caution by adhering strictly to the following directives:
- Source news and updates exclusively from the approved digital platforms outlined by the agency.
- Ignore any announcements, statements, or claims originating from unrecognized online groups or pages.
- Refrain from sharing unverified reports that could misinform the populace or damage the reputation of the commission.
- Report any suspicious accounts illegally utilizing the agency's name, logo, or corporate identity.
Furthermore, the commission issued a stern warning to the administrators of these fake platforms, demanding that they immediately halt the unauthorized use of its institutional identity and the dissemination of deceptive material.
NAHCON concluded by stating that it reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal and administrative action to safeguard its institutional integrity and protect the public from fraudulent schemes related to Hajj and Umrah operations.