14,160 pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia for 2018 hajj

No fewer than 14,160 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2018, Muslims pilgrimage.

A total of 55,000 pilgrims are expected from Nigeria to join over one million pilgrims globally for this year’s Islamic ritual at Mecca and Medina.

Besides, the Kano State Pilgrims Board will today conclude airlifting of 2,811 pilgrims.

Available information obtained from the official website of National Hajj Commission of Nigerian (NAHCON) yesterday indicated that Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Lagos, Nassarawa, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Kaduna and Kebbi have already airlifted their pilgrims.

The journey, which commenced with the inaugural flight on Saturday, July 27, 2018, has so far used 35 flights through Saudi’s airline Flynas, Max Air and Medview as at yesterday.

Secretary of the board, Mohammad Abba Danbatta told journalists in Kano yesterday, that of the 2,811 passengers registered for this year’s hajj, no fewer than 2, 200 had since arrived Medina in four trips.

He explained hat the pilgrims have settled down just as he commended Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for supporting the board.