The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday flagged off the inaugural airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, in a historic move marking the first-ever such flight from the South-East region of the country.
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The inaugural flight, which conveyed 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States, was hosted by the Imo State Government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, whom the NAHCON Chairman described as a “champion of religious harmony.”
Speaking during the occasion, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed his profound joy at witnessing the momentous event in the “Eastern Heartland” and noted that it was a significant milestone for both the Commission and the Nigerian Muslim community.
“Today marks the beginning of a blessed journey for thousands of Nigerian Muslims not just a physical journey to Makkah but a spiritual one,” he said.
Professor Saleh, who assumed office eight months ago, used the opportunity to highlight key achievements and preparations by the Commission for the 2025 Hajj. He revealed that efforts were being made to ensure that the entire airlift operation is completed within two weeks, with seamless reception arrangements already in place at the Madinah and Jeddah airports.
He said despite global inflation and currency volatility, the Commission succeeded in stabilizing the cost of Hajj and introduced several improvements to enhance the welfare of pilgrims. One such milestone, he announced, was the acquisition of the exclusive “Tent A Plus” facility in Mina for VIP pilgrims—an achievement never before recorded in Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
“NAHCON has also extended critical financial assistance to tour operators to secure their camps early, and we even made a sacrifice by reallocating unused slots from state pilgrims’ boards to private operators to ensure more Nigerians can perform the pilgrimage,” he added.
Concerned about the extreme heat expected in Saudi Arabia, the Chairman noted that more staff have been deployed for offshore duties this year, ensuring a shift-based system to avoid fatigue and health risks among officials and pilgrims.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support, especially for their intervention in introducing a credit card system to manage the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for 2025 Hajj pilgrims.
To the departing pilgrims, Professor Saleh offered heartfelt advice: “Obey your officials, drink plenty of water, stay safe, and keep your intentions pure. You are the Guests of the Most Merciful.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, lawmakers, and stakeholders in the Hajj industry.
The 2025 Hajj inaugural flight in Owerri marks a new chapter in the decentralization and inclusivity of Hajj operations in Nigeria.