File photo of hajj pilgrims from Nigeria
. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 36,359 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fatima Usara, assistant director of information and publication, said 5,494 pilgrims under the government quota are still awaiting airlift.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully airlifted 36,359 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as of the time of this report. 5,494 pilgrims from the government quota are the total awaiting airlift,” the statement reads.
“Air Peace is projected to conclude its final Hajj flight on May 24, having secured a slot for that date.
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“Similarly, UMZA Aviation is expected to complete its operations from Kaduna on the same day, with only three flights remaining so far
“Max Air will round off its airlift operations on May 25. The extension is due to an increase in the number of pilgrims who continued to register in some of the states assigned to the airline.
“In a special arrangement, FlyNas will conclude its operations on May 30. The final FlyNas flight will depart with a full complement of pilgrims, including the Governor of Kebbi State.
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“Hence, the Commission will conduct mop-up flights on May 24 in Kaduna by Umza, Abuja by Air Peace, and Max Air in Kano. Max Air’s final flight will take off from Katsina on May 25.”
Speaking on the issuance of the Nusuk card, Usara asked the few remaining pilgrims yet to receive theirs to stay calm.
Nusuk is an identification card that facilitates the movement of all pilgrims to the holy sites.
Usara said the Saudi ministry of hajj and umrah has directed its service providers to resolve all outstanding cases without delay.
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“NAHCON is monitoring the process closely to ensure compliance and timely distribution,” she said.
“It would be recalled that on April 23, the Commission announced that its VIP service provider, Rawaf Mina, secured 2,800 bed spaces in the Tent A+ facility.
“As the only VIP location secured this year, distribution to interested parties has continued following the announcement.”
She also quoted Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON chairman, as expressing gratitude over the progress recorded so far.
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