Nigeria has recorded an impressive start to the 2025 Hajj operations with the successful airlift of 19 per cent of its registered pilgrims within the first 72 hours of the exercise. This marks a significant leap when compared to the 2024 Hajj season, during which only 9 per cent of intending pilgrims had been airlifted in the same period.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) described the development as a notable achievement, attributing the early momentum to improved coordination and efficiency. This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of the Commission’s Information and Publication Division.
It would be recalled that the inaugural flight for the 2025 Hajj departed last Friday from Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Since then, several successful flights have taken off from various states, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to timely and organized airlift operations.
According to the statement, pilgrims have already been successfully airlifted from states including Kogi, Oyo, Abia, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In Kogi State, Air Peace completed the transportation of 559 out of the 564 registered pilgrims, a figure that speaks to the high level of preparedness. Meanwhile, Max Air concluded the airlift of 1,083 pilgrims from Oyo State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Operations in Imo and Abia States have also progressed well, although a few intending pilgrims were reported as “no-shows” during the inaugural flights. NAHCON has assured that those affected will be accommodated in subsequent mop-up flights scheduled for later in the exercise.
The Commission expressed satisfaction with the current pace and urged all stakeholders, including state pilgrim welfare boards and airline operators, to maintain the momentum. With the early figures already surpassing last year’s performance, expectations are high that the 2025 Hajj airlift will set a new benchmark in efficiency and execution
