The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will begin on May 9, 2025, with comprehensive arrangements already in place to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
The assurance was given on Tuesday after the NAHCON board met with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to brief him on the state of preparedness for the 2025 Hajj operations.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner in charge of Operations, Inspectorate & Licensing, Prince Anofi Elegushi, stated that the Commission had concluded all necessary logistics in Mecca, Medina, and other host cities in Saudi Arabia.
“We have secured accommodations and adequate feeding for our pilgrims. Our arrangements are intact, and we are ready to commence the first flight to Saudi Arabia through Medina on May 9. The outbound airlift will end on May 24, while the return flights will begin on June 13 and conclude by July 2,” he said.
Prince Elegushi added that over 40,000 pilgrims, including state officials and 13,000 private pilgrims under licensed tour operators, would participate in the exercise.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Saleh Abdullahi Usman, said the Vice President expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s level of preparedness and encouraged the team to maintain the momentum.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima emphasized the need for thorough planning and execution to ensure a spiritually fulfilling and seamless Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
“All necessary measures must be taken to guarantee the success of the 2025 Hajj. We owe it to all Nigerians and our pilgrims to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience,” the Vice President stated.
The 2025 Hajj is expected to feature thousands of pilgrims from across Nigeria, with NAHCON promising to maintain high standards of service delivery and coordination.
