The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially closed registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage as of May 2, in order to focus on the airlift of registered pilgrims. According to a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication at NAHCON, any Hajj fare payments received after the deadline will be refunded.
Usara explained that while the initial contract deadline was March 25, registration was extended following the intervention of NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh. However, the commission has now ceased further registration to channel resources toward ensuring a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for participants.
She further announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will commence on May 9, with the inaugural flight departing from Owerri, Imo State. The flight will carry 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States aboard Air Peace. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, will serve as the host, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend the ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour.
An advance team from NAHCON arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee final preparations for the inaugural flight.
A total of 40,671 pilgrims have been registered for this year’s Hajj. On the opening day of airlifts, four flights are scheduled to depart simultaneously: Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights from Kebbi and Osun (via the Lagos departure centre), and a fourth flight from Niger State. Combined, these flights will transport 2,528 pilgrims to Madinah on May 9.
NAHCON has promised to release further updates as the Hajj operations continue.
Advertisement
