The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has finalised arrangements for the 2025 Hajj, with pilgrim airlifts to Saudi Arabia set to begin on May 9.
The announcement followed a NAHCON board briefing to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa on April 22, as stated by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Anofi Elegushi, confirmed preparations in Mecca, Medina, and other cities, stating, “We have all of our accommodation intact in Mecca, Medina and other locations. 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 13th of June to end 2nd of July.”
“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.”
NAHCON Chairman Saleh Abdullahi Usman, noted that Shettima expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Shettima urged NAHCON to ensure a seamless exercise, stating, “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.”
