NO fewer than 42,000 intended pilgrims from Nigeria have successfully arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
Official data obtained from the control room of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Sunday, indicated that the total number of passengers airlifted through 99 flights in the last 18 days amounted to 42,000.
Five airlines including, the Saudi-based Flynas, Max Air, Azman Air, Air Peace and Aero Contractor selected for the 2023 operations have deployed their full capacity to meet the 20th June deadline for pilgrims’ airlift.
A total number of 75,000 conventional pilgrims across the 35 states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, including the Armed Forces but with the exception of Akwa-Ibom State are scheduled to depart the country for the pilgrimage before 20th June, NAHCON assured.
According to NAHCON’s flight operation update, 10 states have completed the first phase of the airlift of their passengers to the holy land. They include Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa States.
However, nine states mainly in the South-South and South Eastern region are yet to commence flight operations less than 10 days to the end of the airlift. The states awaiting pilgrims’ departure include Rivers, Cross-Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi States.
The federal government has applauded the commitment and dedication of the five selected carriers for a smooth airlift of pilgrims in the inaugural flight unveiled on 25th May. The data analysis showed that Flynas operated at the peak with the airlifting of 17,630 pilgrims in 44 flights.
Max Air came next with 12,327 passengers on 23 flights, Aero Contractor airlifted 6,025 pilgrims on 13 flights, Air Peace airlifted 3,206 pilgrims on 12 flights while Azman came least with 2,750 pilgrims on seven flights.
With less than 10 days to the deadline, stakeholders have lamented technical hiccups, particularly the slow pace of visa issuance to states. A source who preferred anonymity worried that intending pilgrims who are yet to secure visas may have difficulty in the airlift.
He insisted that except NAHCON seeks an extension of time, the carriers may not be able to complete their airlift before June 20.
“Remember what happened in 2022, where several pilgrims missed the deadline because of the inability of the airlines to airlift pilgrims in good time. Although, some states’ pilgrim board have their fault in that regard slow issuance of visas is a major hiccup NAHCON must check.”
In a swift reaction, NAHCON has allayed the perceived fear of delay in visa processing, saying that all technical hitches around visa processing have been resolved.
A statement by Deputy Director, of Media and Publicity, NAHCON, Musa Ubandawaki, said there was no need for panic as Hajj Commission was on top of its games. He assured of the Commission’s commitment to airlift all conventional pilgrims in due course.
“Truly, there was a technical problem relating to visa processing but it has been resolved at the moment. Visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues. It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas have been processed so far for Nigerian pilgrims.
“Of these, 20000 visas were issued between yesterday and today while the remaining will be processed by tomorrow. Despite the hiccup, the Commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before the 20th of this month”, Ubandawaki noted.
Adding: “As a matter of fact, all the states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement. Moreover, considering our resolve to airlift all our pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat and the need to synchronize the airlift with the available accommodation in the city and not to overcrowd the place, the Commission was cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.”
