The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully concluded the outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, transporting more than 40,000 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within an 18-day period.
In a statement released on Thursday, the commission confirmed that the operation commenced on May 3 and officially ended on May 21, with the final Max Air flight carrying pilgrims from Zamfara State departing from Gusau International Airport to Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON reported that a total of 98 outbound flights were operated during the exercise, averaging approximately five flights per day. According to the commission, 40,250 pilgrims who obtained visas through the agency were successfully airlifted for the annual pilgrimage. A detailed breakdown of the pilgrims and flight operations will be released at a later date.
The commission described the exercise as orderly, peaceful, and successful, attributing this achievement to the cooperation among key stakeholders involved in the operation. NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the efforts of board members, staff, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, security agencies, operational committees, and airline operators for their roles in ensuring the smooth completion of the airlift. He also praised Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and cooperation throughout the exercise.
The commission particularly acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, stating that their guidance contributed to the success of the operation despite prevailing global socio-political challenges.
NAHCON urged pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia to conduct themselves responsibly and comply strictly with the rules governing Hajj operations in the kingdom. It noted that the Hajj period requires patience, sacrifice, discipline, and devotion, warning pilgrims against actions that could attract penalties or create difficulties for themselves and others. The commission also advised pilgrims to continue cooperating with officials and Saudi authorities during the pilgrimage.
According to the statement, arrangements for Masha’ir operations, which cover the core Hajj rites performed in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, have been concluded and will be continuously monitored to ensure the comfort and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON further disclosed that preparations for the return journey of pilgrims to Nigeria are ongoing. Inbound flight operations are expected to begin on June 3, while details of return schedules will be communicated to pilgrims and stakeholders in due course. The commission assured that planning for future Hajj exercises, including the 2027 pilgrimage, will commence immediately after the conclusion of the current season. This move is part of efforts to consolidate on the successes recorded this year and improve service delivery for subsequent exercises.
The yearly Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracts millions of Muslims from across the world each year. Nigeria, through NAHCON and state pilgrims’ welfare boards, coordinates the participation of thousands of intending pilgrims yearly, including logistics, accommodation, medical support, and transportation. The commission concluded by praying for the acceptance of the pilgrims’ Hajj and their safe return to Nigeria after the completion of the spiritual exercise.
