NAHCON warns pilgrims over fake social media accounts using its name
- NAHCON says unauthorised Facebook pages and groups are posing as the commission and spreading false information.
- The commission listed its official accounts and urged pilgrims to rely only on them for Hajj and Umrah updates.
- It threatened administrative and legal action against those running the fake accounts.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned Nigerians about fake social media pages and groups using its name, logo and identity to spread information it never approved.
The warning came in a public disclaimer on Saturday signed by Shafii Sani Mohammed, head of the commission's Information and Publications Division.
NAHCON said it does not own, operate, endorse or authorise any social media page, group or account outside its recognised official platforms.
The commission said it was worried about unverified and potentially harmful content posted by people using its identity to look officially connected to it.
Why this matters to pilgrims
Many Nigerians planning Hajj and Umrah turn to social media for updates on fares, registration and travel schedules. False posts can mislead them and cost them money.
NAHCON asked the public to get information on Hajj and Umrah only from its official channels: its website, nahcon.gov.ng, and its Facebook, X and Instagram accounts, all under the handle @nigeriahajjcom, plus its YouTube channel, youtube.com/@nahcon.
It advised Nigerians to ignore announcements and claims from unauthorised pages, and not to share or spread unverified information that could mislead others or damage the commission's reputation.
The commission also asked people to report any suspicious page, group or account using its name, logo or identity without approval.
It warned those running such platforms to stop misrepresenting the commission, using its identity without permission, or publishing misleading content under its name.
NAHCON said it reserves the right to take administrative and legal steps to protect its identity, reputation and interests.
It restated that accurate and verified information about Hajj and Umrah is available only on its official channels.
