NAHCON Raises Alarm Over Fake Social Media Accounts, Warns Public Against Misinformation

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned members of the public against fake social media accounts and pages using its name, logo and institutional identity to circulate unauthorised and misleading information.

The Commission, in a public disclaimer signed by the head of its Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, said it had become concerned about the activities of individuals and groups operating unauthorised Facebook pages, groups and other social media platforms in its name.

NAHCON stated that such accounts were neither owned, operated, endorsed nor authorised by the Commission, warning that their activities could create a false impression of official affiliation and mislead members of the public.

To avoid confusion, the Commission identified its recognised communication channels on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts, as well as its YouTube channel.

It urged members of the public to obtain information about its activities, particularly Hajj and Umrah operations, exclusively from these verified platforms.

The Commission also advised Nigerians to disregard announcements, publications and claims circulated through unauthorised pages and groups, while warning against sharing or amplifying unverified information capable of misleading the public or damaging its reputation.

NAHCON further called on members of the public to report suspicious social media accounts and groups using its name, logo or identity without approval.

It also warned administrators of such platforms to immediately stop misrepresenting the Commission, using its institutional identity without authorisation or publishing misleading and potentially harmful content under its name.

The Commission said it reserved the right to take appropriate administrative and legal measures to protect its identity, reputation and institutional interests.

It reaffirmed the importance of relying on its official communication channels for accurate, authentic and verified information concerning Hajj and Umrah activities.