The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the end of registration for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

According to the Commission, the registration closed on Friday, May 2, following an extension granted through the intervention of its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, despite the official contract closure date of March 25.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday night, explained that the decision to stop further registration was to enable it focus fully on logistical arrangements, particularly the airlift of pilgrims, ensuring adequate preparation and comfort for all participants.

Usara noted that any Hajj fare deposits made after May 2 will be fully refunded.

According to her, airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj is scheduled to commence on Friday, May 9, disclosing that the inaugural flight will depart from Owerri, Imo State, with 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States boarding an Air Peace flight.

She said the event will be hosted by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and Vice President Kashim Shettima will be the Special Guest of Honour. NAHCON’s advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee preparations.

“Registration for the 2025 Hajj ended with a record of 40, 671 pilgrims to participate from the government quota. Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on the 9th of May for the pilgrimage,” she said.

“The flights are expected as follows- Max Air from Bauchi, two FlyNas flights, one from Kebbi and the other Osun through Lagos departure center, and a fourth flight from Niger totaling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive Madina on the first day. Further details will be shared as the activities unfold.”