The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that a total of 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been successfully transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the ongoing 2025 Hajj exercise. This figure, according to the commission, represents 34.4 percent of the overall number of pilgrims expected to participate in this year’s spiritual journey from Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed that within a span of five days, 35 separate flights had departed Nigeria carrying pilgrims to the Holy Land. She noted that the progress recorded so far marks a notable improvement when compared with the same period last year. In 2024, only 23 flights had been operated by this time, airlifting a total of 9,788 pilgrims, which amounted to 20.2 percent of the expected number.
States that have successfully concluded their airlift operations include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa. Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for the final flights from Ondo and Ekiti states, which will be combined as part of a joint operation. Notably, NAHCON reported that no flights have been cancelled since the commencement of the airlift process—a development described as unprecedented in recent times.
In a rare feat, one of the aircraft conveying pilgrims from Niger State was said to have landed in Saudi Arabia ahead of schedule, a move the commission praised as a demonstration of diligence and commitment on the part of the air carrier.
NAHCON expressed satisfaction with the performance of the participating airlines, attributing the smooth and timely airlift operations to the decision to engage four air carriers for the 2025 Hajj season. According to the commission, these carriers have so far remained faithful to the terms of their agreements, delivering services with commendable efficiency.
The Saudi authorities, in support of the process, have made available comprehensive flight schedules to all airlines involved. This early release of schedules has reportedly enabled seamless coordination and better planning on both ends of the operation.
All flights from Nigeria are currently arriving at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, in accordance with the agreed operational plan. The first batch of Nigerian pilgrims who have already arrived in the Kingdom are expected to proceed to Makkah today. There, those undertaking Hajj under the Tamattu’i or Qiran categories will commence their Umrah rites.
On the issue of Hajj visas, NAHCON reiterated that no official Hajj visa was issued to Nigeria under this year’s arrangement without direct coordination through authorised channels. The commission therefore warned the public to beware of individuals purporting to possess or sell official Hajj visas, urging anyone with information on such activities to report to the relevant authorities.
In a similar vein, NAHCON clarified that only licensed Tour Operators are permitted to register pilgrims for Hajj. It called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any attempts by unlicensed individuals or groups to sell official Hajj slots or mislead intending pilgrims.
While commending the role of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, NAHCON acknowledged the collective effort of all stakeholders in ensuring a successful operation so far. The commission also assured that it would continue to provide regular updates and maintain transparency as the Hajj exercise progresses.
NAHCON concluded by urging Nigerians to remain supportive, noting that all concerns raised by the public are treated with seriousness in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s Hajj operations.
