The Niger State Government has formally commenced the airlift of its 2025 Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the first set of intending pilgrims scheduled to depart on Sunday, May 11, 2025. This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, who confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure a seamless departure process.
According to Sheikh Aliyu, the inaugural flight will take off from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna at exactly 8:00 a.m., and will carry pilgrims from Mashegu and Mariga local government areas. A total of 480 pilgrims are expected to be on board this first flight, which will be operated by UMZA Aviation Services, one of the airlines approved for the 2025 Hajj operations.
A second flight is also scheduled for the same day and will depart the Minna airport by 3:00 p.m. Pilgrims from Shiroro, Mokwa, and Borgu local government areas are billed to be on that second batch. The Board has urged all intending pilgrims to report to the designated Hajj Camp at CAILS Tudun Fulani, Minna, by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, for screening, final documentation, and logistical preparations ahead of their departure.
Sheikh Aliyu assured that the welfare of pilgrims remains the top priority of the Board and reiterated that every effort has been made in collaboration with relevant state and federal agencies to ensure a stress-free experience for all participants in this year’s Hajj. He also emphasized the importance of discipline, patience, and cooperation among pilgrims throughout the exercise.
To keep pilgrims and the general public well-informed, the Pilgrims Welfare Board has committed to providing regular updates on flight schedules and other vital information through its official social media handles. The Executive Secretary further expressed optimism that the 2025 Hajj operation in Niger State would be one of the most efficiently managed in recent years, as preparations were executed with thoroughness and attention to detail.
The successful commencement of the Hajj airlift signals yet another milestone in the state’s commitment to ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being of its Muslim faithful participating in the sacred pilgrimage.
