NAHCON airlifts 77% of Nigerian Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

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By Hadiza Abdulrahman 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has airlifted 32,549 Nigerian pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total number of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The milestone was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9, 2025.

According to the Commission, several states, including Adamawa and Plateau, have already concluded their airlift operations. States with only one flight remaining—such as Bauchi and Gombe, with 30 pilgrims each—are scheduled to complete their departures today. Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to finalize their airlift operations today.

In Kwara State, 137 pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted will join a Max Air flight departing from Kano this afternoon. Similarly, intending pilgrims from Benue will travel alongside those from the South-South region in a single, joint flight scheduled for May 23. This marks the final phase of airlift operations for that region.

Notably, there have been no flight cancellations since the beginning of the exercise. However, the Commission noted that minor delays were deliberately arranged to allow for hotel clean-up and decongestion in Madinah. These are routine procedures that become more noticeable during peak periods due to the high volume of pilgrim arrivals requiring rapid turnover.

“These clean-up routines are standard during Hajj operations and are necessary for accommodating new arrivals. While such delays are minimal, they ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” said Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, speaking on behalf of the NAHCON Chairman.

NAHCON expressed appreciation to Nigerian pilgrims and the public for their patience, understanding, and prayers throughout the process, reaffirming its commitment to delivering a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all.

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