BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 36,359 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.
However, the Commission disclosed officially about 5,494 pilgrims from the government quota were still awaiting airlift before the operation ends on Friday, 30th May 2025.
A statement issued by NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Madina on Thursday, said: “Air Peace is projected to conclude its final Hajj flight on May 24, having secured a slot for the date.
“Similarly, UMZA Aviation is expected to complete its operations from Kaduna on the same day, with only three flights remaining while Max Air will round off its airlift operations on May 25.”
According to the NAHCON spokesperson; “The extension is due to an increase in the number of pilgrims that continued to register in some of the states assigned to the airline after formal allocation.”
Usara further said that in a special arrangement, FlyNas will conclude its operations on May 30, adding; “The final FlyNas flight will depart with a full complement of pilgrims, including the Governor of Kebbi State.
“The commission will conduct mop-up flights on May 24 in Kaduna by Umza, Abuja by Air Peace, and Max Air in Kano. Max Air’s final flight will take off from Katsina on May 25″.
Addressing issues around the Nusuk card, Hajiya Usara assured the few pilgrims yet to receive their cards to remain calm, as the cards will be delivered to them soonest.
She explained that; “The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which oversees its issuance in partnership with designated service providers, has directed immediate resolution of all outstanding issues.
“NAHCON is monitoring the process closely to ensure compliance and timely distribution”.
Hajiya Usara recalled that NAHCON had on 23rd April 2025, announced that its VIP service provider, the Rawaf Mina, secured 2,800-bed spaces in the Tent A + facility.
She said as the only VIP location secured this year, distribution to interested parties has continued following the announcement.
In a related development, the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, thanked Almighty Allah for the successes achieved so far and prayed for their continuation throughout the Hajj season.
Prof Saleh also commended the Commission’s numerous stakeholders who contributed to achieving this feat, just as he also lauded intending pilgrims for their patience and civil conduct so far in the ongoing operations.
