The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that 36,297 pilgrims have been returned to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia in 88 flights as of Monday, representing over 86 per cent of the total 41,668 pilgrims.

The commission’s chairman, Professor Saleh Usman Abdullahi, said in a statement that the most recent flight—Umza flight UY3540—departed Jeddah for Kaduna at 1:46 a.m. with 476 pilgrims and eight officials on board.

The Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, in a statement, stressed that Nigerian carriers have been operating at a maximum of seven flights per day since June 22, based on a 2-2-2-1 allocation ratio.

NAHCON noted that the pace of return operations had slowed due to airspace congestion and occasional flight cancellations. However, Abdullahi said the airlift process had improved with increased slot allocations secured by the airlines.

Despite these improvements, the commission acknowledged that its initial target of concluding all return flights by June 28 would likely not be met. It now anticipates completing the process by Tuesday, July 2, assuming no further disruptions occur.

Some returning pilgrims have praised the commission’s handling of the 2025 Hajj. In Kano, Alhaji Abba Sani Musa described this year’s experience as smooth, with no uncertainty about his return schedule. He commended the commission’s efforts in welfare, medical support, transportation, and accommodation in Medina.

Another pilgrim, Alhaji Tijjani Nasamu, said the commission’s proactive presence in Saudi Arabia was a marked improvement compared to previous years. He noted that officials consistently checked on pilgrims and that scheduled return dates were followed as announced.