It is one week today since May 9, 2025 when the airlifting of intending pilgrims from Nigeria to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began. And so far, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce that the operation has been smooth and seamless.

As at 8:00pm yesterday, a total of 17,471 pilgrims through 43 flights has been transported to the holy city of Madinah. The figure represents about 40 percent of the total expected movement. The optimism is that by the close of operations today (Friday), a 50 percent mark would have been achieved in line with the timetable of airlifting which is expected to be completed on May 24, 2025.

In fact, the first contingent of 1,874 Nigerian pilgrims from Imo, Bauchi, Kebbi, Osun, and Kogi states who left Nigeria last Friday and arrived in Madinah the following day had moved to Makkah on Wednesday heralding the first significant part of the spiritual journey. Their movement on Wednesday marked the first set of Nigerian pilgrims to enter Makkah for 2025 hajj.

En route to Makkah, the pilgrims stopped at Miqat Dhul Hulaifa where they entered the state of Ihram, a significant moment that transformed the pilgrims into a state of ritual purity and devotion preparatory to performing of Umrah (lesser hajj) immediately upon arrival in Makkah. They have already settled down in Makkah now waiting for Dhul Hijjah 8, 1446AH (June 4, 2025) when they will all move from Makkah to Minna for the real rites of Hajj especially standing on the plain of Arafat on June 5, 2025.

In a statement titled “Update on 2025 Hajj Airlift Operations” issued on Wednesday and signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Publication unit of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission said, “Within five days, 35 flights have successfully conveyed 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing 34.4 percent of the total expected movement. This time last year, though also significant, the airlift stood at 20.2 percent of pilgrims, having conducted 23 flights that transported 9, 788 pilgrims.

“States that have concluded their airlift include Oyo State, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti states are currently preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.

“Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far. On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence. The Commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.

“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the State Pilgrims’ Boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift. The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfil the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON.

“Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness. All flights are currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.”

On the pilgrims that moved to Makkah on Wednesday, the Commission had said: “Also in Madinah, the first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are expected to enter Makkah today. (Wedneday) whence they will commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.

“It is important to clarify that no official visa was issued to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this year’s Hajj arrangement. The public is invited to report anyone who claims to be in possession of official visa or selling same at any price at all.

“Similarly, NAHCON does not authorize any individual, apart from licensed Tour Operators to register pilgrims for Hajj. Anyone with information and evidence of NAHCON officials or any other individual ‘selling’ official Hajj slots is invited to kindly furnish the Commission with the intelligence so that appropriate action can be taken to protect innocent people from being short-changed.”

While appreciating the high level of interest and concern expressed towards 2025 Hajj operations, the Commission pledged to treat all concerns raised with the seriousness they deserve, with a promise that “regular updates will continue to be shared with the public.”