TheCable

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will end on June 24.

In a statement on Thursday, Fatima Usara, assistant director of public affairs of the commission, said all aircrafts conveying the pilgrims will conclude airlifting on or before Saturday.

Usara said over 71,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Jedda and Madina in Saudi Arabia.

She asked intending pilgrims who are yet to be contacted to visit the nearest pilgrims’ welfare agency for documentation and confirmation.

“Outbound movement of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia would be winding up in few hours time. It has been a 27 days marathon aboard 170 flights so far into Jeddah and Madinah airports conveying above 71,000 Nigerian pilgrims and still counting,” the statement reads.

“Before today, Aero contractors airline, Max Air, Air Peace, have all concluded conveyance of their allocated pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while Azman has one more flight to conclude.

“FlyNas is expected to close the window of this year’s outbound airlift of pilgrims from public quota, due to technical hitches. For this and other reasons, 23rd and 24th of June still remain open for landing of Nigerian pilgrims into Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj.

“Hence, while FlyNas would conclude conveyance of pilgrims on government quota by 23rd, Max Air, on rescue services, would conclude conveyance of Private Tour Operators passengers by the 24th of June.

“A special flight that would convey officials has been arranged to take-off on the 23rd, Friday.

“At this juncture, the commission calls on any eligible pilgrim with valid travel documents that has not been contacted for the journey to approach the nearest pilgrims’ welfare agency for confirmation and subsequent dispatch to the Kingdom for the 2023 hajj exercise.”

Kunle Hassan, NAHCON chairman, urged Nigerian pilgrims to be dedicated to the hajj rite and protect their integrity while carrying out all religious exercises.

Hassan expressed concern over those who are unable to partake in the hajj, adding that the commission will address the situation.