The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj will officially commence on May 9. This was confirmed following a high-level meeting held at the Hajj House in Abuja between NAHCON officials, executive secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and other key stakeholders.
NAHCON is targeting the successful transportation of over 40,000 pilgrims, including officials from various states and over 13,000 participants from private tour operators. According to the Commission, outbound flights to Saudi Arabia are expected to conclude by May 24, while return flights will begin on June 13 and end by July 2.
Speaking during the meeting, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, stated that preparations for the Hajj are already in their final stages. He urged state boards to ensure timely reporting on visa issuance, vaccinations, luggage procurement, and other critical logistics.
“All necessary measures must be taken to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj,” Professor Usman said. “We owe it to all Nigerians and our pilgrims to provide a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience.”
In terms of logistics, NAHCON has allocated specific airlines to various states. Air Peace will transport 5,128 pilgrims from 18 states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and the Armed Forces. FlyNas will be responsible for 12,506 pilgrims from the FCT, Kebbi, Lagos, and four other states, utilizing nine aircraft. Max Air will airlift 15,203 pilgrims from Bauchi, Kano, Kwara, and others with two aircraft, while Umza Aviation will handle 10,163 pilgrims from Kaduna, Adamawa, Niger, and more, using Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft.
Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, reassured stakeholders of a well-coordinated plan to ensure pilgrim comfort and safety throughout the journey. “We have all of our accommodations in Makkah, Madinah, and other key locations secured,” he said. “There are sufficient bed spaces and feeding arrangements. All hands are on deck, and I can assure Nigerian pilgrims they are in safe hands.”
Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services, added that the Commission had secured clinics in Makkah and Madinah and commenced the distribution of Yellow Cards to the states. He also reiterated that pregnant women would not be allowed to participate in the Hajj for health and safety reasons.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was briefed on the preparations by NAHCON officials at the State House, expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s efforts and urged them to maintain the momentum to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
