The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the completion of the airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Professor Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman of the Commission, who made this known while briefing journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, said the feat was achieved with the support of the federal government.
“We sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for their strong support in making the 2025 Hajj operation a success,” he stated.
Professor Abdullahi stated that the successful 2025 Hajj airlift demonstrated the Commission’s growing capacity to manage pilgrimage operations with precision and professionalism.
Highlighting the progress made in this year’s operation, Usman said the 2025 Hajj recorded several notable achievements, including the timely and well-coordinated airlift of pilgrims, which reflected the Commission’s growing capacity and professionalism.
“Our main goal is to ensure everyone travelled smoothly, in the course of our operation there were times we had faced challenges, but we worked hard to fix every problem quickly and keep things running smoothly.”
Professor Usman said the Commission was committed to ensuring a seamless homeward airlift back to Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the success of the pilgrims as they fulfill their spiritual obligations in the Holy Land, while promising that NAHCON would ensure their safe return during the homeward journey.
He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the operation, including the airlines, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, the media, as well as support teams working behind the scenes.
Earlier, the Commission announced that a total of 41,546 Pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise and assured intending pilgrims affected by the recent closure of Saudi visa issuance that efforts were ongoing to secure a resolution.
RN