NAHCON Concludes Return Airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims, Begins 2027 Hajj Preparations
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking the end of a major national operation that saw the successful transportation of over 38,000 pilgrims to and from the holy land. A statement issued by NAHCON’s […]
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking the end of a major national operation that saw the successful transportation of over 38,000 pilgrims to and from the holy land.
A statement issued by NAHCON’s spokesperson, Hajiya Fatima Usara, said the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State was expected to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, bringing the return phase of the pilgrimage to a close.
According to Usara, the completion of the return airlift signifies the successful conclusion of the 2026 Hajj operations, which involved extensive coordination among various stakeholders, including aviation partners, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, tour operators, medical teams, security agencies, and service providers.
She disclosed, however, that 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.
“NAHCON is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals,” she said.
Usara expressed appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the operation.
She said: “NAHCON appreciates the cooperation and hard work of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and, most importantly, Nigerian pilgrims.”
The commission acknowledged that some challenges were encountered during the exercise but noted that valuable lessons had been learnt and would be applied to improve future Hajj operations.
In line with its commitment to early planning and continuous improvement, NAHCON announced that preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise have already commenced.
Usara revealed that a circular dated June 15 had been sent to all Hajj managers across the country, directing state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, commissions and licensed private tour operators to immediately begin preparatory activities in compliance with guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
She also clarified issues surrounding the difference between the number of outbound pilgrims and return flight statistics.
According to her, some pilgrims customarily depart Saudi Arabia through scheduled commercial flights immediately after Hajj due to work commitments and other personal exigencies.
“Since the Commission operates a first-come, first-out policy, such pilgrims either wait for their scheduled turn or make alternative arrangements without displacing other pilgrims. This happens every year,” she explained.
Usara added that staff members involved in Hajj operations were not included in the pilgrims’ airlift figures. She noted that some NAHCON personnel remain in Saudi Arabia to carry out post-Hajj reconciliation, auditing, and administrative activities that can only be completed after the departure of all pilgrims.
She said detailed state-by-state statistics and other operational figures would be available after the submission of reports by state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Abdullahi Ismail Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support and commitment, which contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage operation.
The commission expressed optimism that the lessons learned from the 2026 exercise would further strengthen preparations for the 2027 Hajj season and enhance service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.