Hajj: FG to begin airlift of Nigerian pilgrims next week

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said the first set of Nigerian pilgrims to proceed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2022 hajj would commence on June 9.  Speaking at the signing of 2022 hajj airlift agreement by appointed hajj air carriers yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Kunle […]

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said the first set of Nigerian pilgrims to proceed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2022 hajj would commence on June 9. 

Speaking at the signing of 2022 hajj airlift agreement by appointed hajj air carriers yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan said the announcement of the date is to ensure adequate preparation ahead of the  for the Nigerians during the period. 

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He said three airlines selected for the exercise include: Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas Air. 

The chairman also stated that the commission’s advanced team would leave the country for Saudi Arabia on June 6. 

He said Max Air would airlift pilgrims from 13 states namely, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Taraba while Azman Air is entrusted with conveyance of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces. 

“These states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe,” he said. 

He said FlyNas will fly pilgrims from Edo, FCT, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara. 

Hassan urged the airlines to accord all pilgrims ‘VIP’ treatment which they deserve.