The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has successfully concluded the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, three days ahead of the planned schedule.
The final group of 312 pilgrims from Kwara State on Tuesday arrived in Ilorin via an Air Peace flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
According to a statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the commission’s chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, this marked the 119th return flight from Saudi Arabia, signaling the end of the Hajj operations for this year.
During the initial phase of the Hajj operations, NAHCON conducted a total of 121 flights. For the return journey, this was optimized to 119 flights due to the efficient use of available seats.
The return phase concluded “three days ahead of schedule, which was originally planned to end by 19th July 2024,” Arabi explained.
In the first phase, NAHCON’s chartered airlines took 27 days to transport all pilgrims to the Kingdom.
The return phase lasted 25 days, during which 47,171 pilgrims were transported out and 50,091 were brought back to Nigeria.
At a closing ceremony held at the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Arabi expressed his gratitude for the successful completion of the return journey, acknowledging the cooperation of stakeholders and the prayers of the pilgrims for their leaders.
He emphasized the significance of this year’s Hajj as a promise fulfilled and urged continuous prayers for leaders’ success and good conduct among pilgrims.
Arabi also promised greater success in next year’s Hajj operations, leveraging the lessons learned this year.
“Preparations for the 2025 Hajj are already underway,” he assured.
Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, the Amirul Hajj for Kwara State, expressed his appreciation for the NAHCON chairman’s swift responses to issues.
Speaking in both Yoruba and English, he lauded the commission for the efficient visa processing and the comfortable stay in Madinah.
He extended gratitude on behalf of the pilgrims to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NAHCON, and other Hajj officials and stakeholders.
