In a historic feat for Nigeria’s South-East, the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, recorded its first Hajj airlift operation, marking a pivotal moment in the decentralisation of pilgrimage travel in the country.
The inaugural flight, which departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carried intending pilgrims from Imo and neighbouring states, representing the first time a Hajj journey has been officially flagged off from the region. This breakthrough follows strategic coordination between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Imo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and aviation authorities.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the airport, officials from NAHCON described the move as a milestone aimed at making pilgrimage easier and more accessible to Muslims across all regions. Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, noted that the Commission is fully committed to the welfare of all Nigerian pilgrims and had worked tirelessly to ensure regional equity in the Hajj process.
“This is a landmark achievement for the South-East. It shows that every part of Nigeria has a place in national affairs, including religious matters,” he said.
The development comes as Nigeria prepares to commence the airlift of over 75,000 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, with official flights scheduled to begin on May 6. According to NAHCON, four airlines—FlyNas, Air Peace, Max Air, and Umza Air—have been designated to handle the airlift from across the country.
The Sam Mbakwe Airport, originally initiated by the Imo State community in 1983 and officially opened in 1994, has served as a critical aviation hub for the South-East. Located in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, it connects Owerri to cities like Aba, Umuahia, and parts of Rivers and Anambra States. This recent elevation in status to a Hajj departure terminal marks another chapter in the airport’s evolving role in national service.
The Imam of the Muslim community in Imo, who led prayers at the send-off ceremony, expressed gratitude to the state government and federal agencies for facilitating the historic flight. He noted that this would foster greater inclusivity and religious freedom in the region, where Muslims are a minority.
For many of the pilgrims, it was an emotional moment. Some who had previously travelled long distances to cities like Abuja or Lagos for the Hajj airlift now found convenience and a sense of belonging at their doorstep.
As the flight lifted off into the skies en route to Jeddah, it carried not just passengers, but a message—that every part of Nigeria, regardless of religion or geography, has a right to equal opportunity and recognition.
