Hajj 2025: NAHCON to begin airlift of pilgrims on May 9

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has concluded plans to begin the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 hajj to Saudi Arabia from May 9.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media and communications (office of the vice-president), announced the development in a statement.

The vice-president’s spokesperson said NAHCON board members briefed Shettima during a meeting on the preparations for the hajj exercise at the State House.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s commissioner for operations, inspectorate, and licensing, said arrangements had been concluded in Makkah, Madina, and other locations for a smooth exercise.

“We have all of our accommodation intact in Makkah, Madina, and other locations,” the statement reads.

“They are ready to take our pilgrims; we have secured enough bed spaces and paid for adequate feeding for our pilgrims.

“We have picked May 9 for our first flight to Saudi Arabia through Medina.

“We intend to finish the airlift to Saudi Arabia by May 24 and start the return by June 13 to end on July 2.

“All hands are on deck, and I can assure all Nigerian pilgrims that they are in safe hands. Adequate arrangements have been made for airlift in and out of Saudi Arabia.

“We have made arrangements for over 40,000 pilgrims, including officials from the states and 13,000 others from the tour operators.”

Shettima asked the commission to mobilise fully and take all necessary steps to ensure a successful, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling 2025 hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.