President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja yesterday, following the Eid-el-Kabir holiday in Lagos, where he combined festive observances with a series of high-level political, governmental and diplomatic engagements.

In another development, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will begin today, urging returning pilgrims to comply with baggage and documentation requirements to avoid delays.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, about 5.17 p.m. and was received by senior government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu and other top government functionaries.

During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu hosted a number of prominent political leaders and stakeholders who paid him the traditional Sallah homage.

Among those received were Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Assembly members led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President also held separate meetings with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq.

Other visitors included leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Oyo State, led by the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, as well as APC candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly from Lagos State.

As part of official engagements during the holiday, Tinubu, on Monday, attended the International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic City Waterfront in Lagos, held as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The President also held talks with the President of Benin Republic, Romuald Wadagni, in a meeting that underscored the enduring ties of friendship, regional cooperation and economic partnership between Nigeria and its West African neighbour.

NAHCON’S head of the aviation operations department, Habib Bello, while addressing the media in Mecca, said airlines determined flight schedules, and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation approved them, allocating operating slots to all carriers.

According to him, Max Air will begin return flights on June 3 for pilgrims from Nasarawa State, while Flynas and Air Peace will commence operations on June 4 for pilgrims from Ogun and Oyo.

He urged pilgrims to adhere to the approved baggage allowance of two 23kg bags and one eight-kilogramme hand luggage.

“Non-compliance can result in delays or removal from flight manifests. Pilgrims are also required to notify officials at least 48 hours before departure to facilitate passport release, luggage processing and transportation arrangements,” he said.

Head of the Makkah Passport Committee, Abdurrahman Mohammed, said the commission had successfully concluded the first phase of the 2026 hajj operation and was processing passports for returning pilgrims.

He said that passports were kept in safe custody to prevent loss, damage, and abscondment, adding that pilgrims must submit their travel details at least 48 hours before departure for seamless processing.