The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced significant progress in its ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift exercise, with encouraging figures recorded just five days into the operation.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Information and Publications of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, said As of May 14, a total of 35 flights have successfully transported 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. This marks a 34.4% completion rate of the entire airlift schedule—an impressive improvement over the 20.2% recorded at the same time during the 2024 Hajj, which saw 9,788 pilgrims airlifted on 23 flights.
Several states, including Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa, have completed their airlift operations. Ondo and Ekiti States are now finalizing arrangements for their concluding flights, which are planned as a joint operation.
Encouragingly, the airlift has so far proceeded without any cancellations. In a noteworthy development, one of the airlines flying pilgrims from Niger State even arrived ahead of schedule a testament to the commitment and efficiency of the air carriers and NAHCON personnel.
The Commission attributes the seamless operations to the strong collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the strategic decision to engage four different airlines for the 2025 pilgrimage. NAHCON also commended the carriers for their professionalism and adherence to agreed terms, further facilitated by the early release of comprehensive flight schedules by the Saudi authorities. All flights are currently routed to Madinah, as planned.
Meanwhile, in Madinah, the earliest batch of Nigerian pilgrims is scheduled to depart for Makkah today to begin their Umrah rites, particularly those performing Hajj under the Tamattu’i or Qiran categories.
NAHCON also issued a public advisory clarifying that no official visa has been issued outside the structured Hajj arrangements. The Commission warned against fraudulent claims or sales of such visas and urged members of the public to report any individuals or groups involved in unauthorized pilgrim registration or slot trading. Only NAHCON-licensed tour operators are permitted to register pilgrims for the Hajj.
The Commission welcomes the public’s continued interest and concern in its activities and assures that all credible reports will be investigated with utmost seriousness. It remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide regular updates on the 2025 Hajj operations.