Niger State has officially commenced the airlift of its 2025 Hajj pilgrims from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, marking a significant return of pilgrimage operations to the state after a six-year hiatus. The inaugural flight departed in the early hours of Sunday, May 11, 2025, carrying 480 intending pilgrims from Mashegu and Mariga Local Government Areas.
The return of Hajj flights to Minna follows the successful renovation and re-certification of the airport by relevant aviation authorities, a move that has been widely applauded by residents and stakeholders. The facility, formerly known as Minna International Airport, was renamed in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and underwent major infrastructural upgrades under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The first batch of pilgrims, transported by UMZA Aviation Services, was airlifted at exactly 8:00 a.m., while a second flight is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today. It is expected to convey pilgrims from Shiroro, Mokwa, and Borgu Local Government Areas. The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board had earlier instructed all intending pilgrims to report to the Hajj Camp at CAILS, Tudun Fulani, Minna, by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, for final screening and departure preparations.
Speaking to journalists, the Executive Secretary of the Pilgrims Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, confirmed that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a seamless process for all pilgrims. He noted that provisions for accommodation, welfare, and flight logistics were fully in place and that subsequent flight schedules would be communicated through the board’s verified social media platforms.
“We are committed to the spiritual and physical wellbeing of every pilgrim from Niger State,” Sheikh Awwal said. “His Excellency Governor Bago has given us the necessary support to restore Minna Airport as a Hajj departure point, and we are grateful that the efforts have yielded this success.”
The airport, situated about 10 kilometers from Minna city centre, now features a refurbished terminal suitable for both international and domestic operations, including a dedicated Hajj wing. Governor Bago’s administration had earlier pledged to revitalise the state’s infrastructure, and the return of airlifting pilgrims from the state capital is seen as a major fulfillment of that promise.
Family members, traditional leaders, and officials of the Pilgrims Board were present at the send-off ceremony, where prayers were offered for the safe journey of the pilgrims and a successful Hajj exercise.
The 2025 Hajj airlift operation across Nigeria officially began on May 6, as coordinated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with over 75,000 intending pilgrims expected to be transported to Saudi Arabia through various designated airports nationwide.
With the successful launch of flights from Minna, Niger State now re-enters the league of states actively supporting the religious obligations of its Muslim citizens through convenient and efficient air travel.
