In a symbolic conclusion to Nigeria’s 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially wrapped up its return operations with the arrival of the final pilgrim, Musa Adamu from Ondo State, at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
The concluding return flight was received on behalf of the NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, by the Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who stood in for the Commission’s leadership. The arrival marks the successful end of what has been described by stakeholders as a logistically demanding but well-coordinated Hajj season.
Musa Adamu, who was the last Nigerian pilgrim to disembark, expressed deep gratitude to the Almighty and commended the efforts of NAHCON in ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all pilgrims. His arrival was met with warm reception and prayers by airport officials, NAHCON staff, and family members of returnees.
This year’s Hajj operation, which spanned several weeks, involved the transportation of tens of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NAHCON, in collaboration with state pilgrim welfare boards, air carriers, and Saudi authorities, facilitated a phased and regionally coordinated return schedule to ensure efficiency and safety.
Representatives of the commission, while addressing pressmen at the airport, noted that the successful completion of the 2025 Hajj return flights was a product of meticulous planning, inter-agency cooperation, and the dedication of field officers deployed in Saudi Arabia and across Nigerian departure zones.
Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to continuous improvement in the Hajj process. He noted that the Commission has taken stock of lessons from this year’s operations and will soon begin post-Hajj evaluation meetings with relevant stakeholders to address challenges and enhance future pilgrimages.
As the final flight touched down in Kano, the atmosphere was a mixture of relief, reflection, and gratitude. Many families were visibly emotional as they reunited with loved ones, while NAHCON officials used the opportunity to appreciate the patience and cooperation of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage season.
With the conclusion of return operations, attention now shifts to NAHCON’s post-Hajj assessment activities, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, refining logistics, and addressing feedback from pilgrims and service providers alike.
The 2025 Hajj season, though not without its challenges, will be remembered for its high level of organisation, relative safety, and the spiritual fulfilment it brought to thousands of Nigerians who answered the sacred call to pilgrimage.