By Jabiru Hassan
A civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing registration process for the 2026 Hajj following the reopening of the portal for the upload of pilgrims’ data.
The group said it uncovered developments pointing to questionable practices in some states, although it withheld their identities due to the sensitive nature of the findings.
According to information available to Independent Hajj Reporters, some officials of state pilgrims’ welfare boards are allegedly collecting fresh international passports from intending pilgrims and charging amounts higher than the initial Hajj fare earlier announced by the (NAHCON).
The organisation alleged that the newly collected passports are being substituted with those already in the custody of the boards to enable data upload before the stipulated deadline.
If confirmed, the practice could indicate attempts to replace pilgrims who had already completed their payments with new entrants willing to pay higher sums, particularly in states that have reportedly exhausted their allocated Hajj slots.
In light of the development, Independent Hajj Reporters called on NAHCON, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other relevant authorities to intensify monitoring of the registration process nationwide to prevent possible abuse.
The organisation also urged intending pilgrims to remain vigilant and wary of any state agency still collecting new passports beyond its approved allocation, warning that such actions may signal attempts to substitute already registered pilgrims.
Independent Hajj Reporters noted that its caution aligns with NAHCON’s recent public advisory, in which the commission warned the public against making fresh payments to any individual, group or agency. The commission had stressed that payment for the 2026 Hajj has officially closed and that further updates would only be communicated through its verified channels.
The group emphasised that urgent intervention by NAHCON is necessary to protect the integrity of the Hajj registration process and safeguard the interests of pilgrims who have already paid the officially approved fare.
