The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a 32-member Screening and Aviation Monitoring Committee to oversee the selection of air carriers and cargo handlers for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. A six-man secretariat was also set up to support the committee’s operations.
According to a statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the move marks the beginning of processes leading to the selection of airlines and excess luggage freighters for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The commission has also opened applications for Hajj airlift licenses.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, emphasized the importance of the committee’s work, urging members to adhere to their terms of reference to ensure excellent service delivery to pilgrims. The committee, chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, comprises representatives from aviation regulatory bodies, security agencies, state pilgrims’ boards, and NAHCON staff.
Members include officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Others are drawn from the Nigerian Customs Service, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and NAHCON’s internal departments.
Eleven airlines, including Saudi Arabia’s FlyNas and Flyadeal, have applied to participate in the 2025 Hajj airlift. Nigerian carriers in the race include Air Peace, Max Air, Value Jet, and Tarco Aviation, among others. Five cargo companies—Aglow Aviation Support Services, Cargo Zeal Technologies, and Kiswah Logistics Services—have also applied to handle excess luggage.
The Screening Committee’s mandate includes evaluating applicants, recommending operational standards, proposing airfare and luggage rates, and submitting a final report to NAHCON’s executive council. The Aviation Monitoring Committee will inspect airports, assess readiness, and collaborate with security agencies to ensure smooth operations.
Elegushi urged members to work diligently within the stipulated timeframe, noting the critical role of aviation in Hajj operations. He cited the success of the 2024 airlift, which concluded ahead of schedule, and expressed confidence in achieving an even better performance in 2025.
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