The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has successfully airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of the total intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

A statement by NAHCON’s Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the achievement was made through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9, 2025.

Daily Trust reports that 42,000 Nigerians are expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage from the government quota.

Usara added that many states including Adamawa and Plateau, had concluded their airlift operations, while those with only one flighteach will complete their operations on Wednesday.

 “Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim airlift today. Kwara State, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.”

Meanwhile, Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23rd, marking the last phase of the airlift for the area.

“Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded since the airlift began. However,  deliberate minor delays were arranged to allow for the proper clean-up and decongestion of hotels in Madinah especially with the surge in arrivals.

“Such cleanup procedures are standard operational routines following vacation of rooms during the Hajj season. This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but cause misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover.

“NAHCON thanks the Nigerian intending pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, and reaffirm the Commission’s resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.”

[DailyTrust]