2025 Hajj: 43,000 Nigerians to begin airlift May 9

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that the airlift for Nigerian intending pilgrims who paid for the 2025 Hajj would commence May 9. A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 pilgrims paid for the pilgrimage from the 75 slots given to the state […]

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that the airlift for Nigerian intending pilgrims who paid for the 2025 Hajj would commence May 9.

A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed that 43,000 pilgrims paid for the pilgrimage from the 75 slots given to the state government.

This is 9,000 short from the 52,000 the commission had earlier said it paid for their slot.

In the statement, Usara said the date was chosen following a meeting with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board Executive Secretaries under the Forum of States yesterday to assess the level of preparedness of the state pilgrims’ boards.

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It quoted NAHCON’s chairman, Prof. Abdullah Saleh Usman, as reminding the house that the Hajj industry is in the last lap of preparation before commencement of the Hajj season.

He called on the states to update NAHCON on the level each state has reached in visa production, vaccination, bags procurement and other sundry matters.

Its Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, disclosed that Air Peace has been assigned 5,128 pilgrims from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Armed Forces, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, Rivers, and Taraba states.

FlyNas was allocated 12,506 pilgrims from Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Max Air is airlifting pilgrims from Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo and Plateau states with a promise to conclude airlift of its 15,203 pilgrims by 24th of May.

Umza has been allocated 10,163 pilgrims from Kaduna, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Niger and Yobe states.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Chairman of NAHCON said they briefed the vice president on the Hajj preparations for this year, 2025, and that the vice president is very happy with the preparations.

Speaking earlier, the vice president charged the commission to ensure that all hands are on deck to ensure the success of the hajj exercise.

“All necessary measures must be taken to guarantee the success of the 2025 Hajj. We owe it to all Nigerians and our pilgrims to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience,” he said.

 

States reject payment mode for BTA

Meanwhile, the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards have rejected a proposal to pay Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.

According to Hajj Reporters, the states took the decision during a pre-hajj preparatory meeting held in Abuja between the NAHCON, executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and airline representatives. The meeting was convened to finalise arrangements for the upcoming Hajj airlift.

It could be recalled that there had been uncertainty on the payment for the BTA following the rejection of the Central Bank of Nigeria to handle over dollar notes to pilgrims before going to Saudi Arabia.

While NAHCON approved a payment for $500 per pilgrim, the CBN said it would only give out the money in a credit card.

But stakeholders had rejected the move as they argued majority of pilgrims are from rural areas and lack the financial knowledge to use an ATM.

They also say the number of ATMs in the proximity of the two holy mosques are little to cater for all the pilgrims from Nigeria and the over two million people to participate in the exercise as they may be cash strapped during the pilgrimage.

While NAHCON has been trying to find a way out of the situation, the states rejection followed a proposal by Taj Bank, which offered to disburse BTA in Saudi Riyals to Nigerian pilgrims, but only after they arrived in the Kingdom.

According to sources at the meeting, the bank stated that it had agents stationed in Saudi Arabia who would handle the disbursement of the funds.

However, the Chairman of the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Alhaji Idris Al-Makura, opposed the idea, saying that it would create unnecessary anxiety and confusion among pilgrims. He emphasized that pilgrims prefer to receive their BTA in Nigeria before departure, ensuring clarity and confidence in the amount they are given, particularly in light of fluctuating exchange rates.

“Pilgrims want their BTA in hand before boarding, not promises of cash after arrival.” Alhaji Al-Makura reportedly stated during the meeting.

In response to the deadlock, Hajj Reporters learned that a follow-up meeting has been scheduled between Taj Bank and the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to explore alternative arrangements that ensure pilgrims receive their BTA in Nigeria before departure.

The issue of BTA has remained a critical element in Hajj planning, as it directly affects the welfare and confidence of Nigerian pilgrims during their sacred journey. NAHCON is expected to make a final decision in collaboration with the banks and stakeholders in the coming days.