Completing airlift of Hajj pilgrims an important moment for us — NAHCON chairman

AS the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) concluded the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise, the chairman of the commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has declared that completing the airlift is a significant moment for the Hajj body.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support in making the outbound airlift operation a success.

Addressing newsmen Wednesday night at the Hajj Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja before departing for Saudi Arabia, Prof. Usman said this year’s Hajj operation recorded several notable achievements that reflected the growth and improvement of Nigerian pilgrimage efforts.

According to him, although the outbound airlift operation was not easy, with the support of all stakeholders, the commission successfully concluded the airlift programme.

The NAHCON boss noted that there were challenges during the course of the airlift, but with teamwork, the commission achieved its goal of ensuring every Nigerian pilgrim travelled to the Holy Land and was well taken care of.

“As we close the outbound airlift programme for the 2025 Hajj operation from the state quota, this is a very important moment for all of us because it means we have successfully airlifted thousands of our pilgrims over a few weeks.

“It hasn’t been easy, but with good planning, the help of Almighty Allah and strong teamwork, we have concluded the job successfully, Alhamdulillah.

“We are grateful to everyone who made this possible, from the government, airlines and state boards to all those working behind the scenes.

“Our main goal has been to ensure every pilgrim travels smoothly and is well taken care of and I believe we have achieved that.

“During the operation, there were times we faced challenges, of course, but we worked hard to resolve any problems quickly and keep things running smoothly. We are grateful to Almighty Allah for His guidance.

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“The 2025 Hajj operation recorded several notable achievements that reflect the growth and improvement of Nigerian pilgrimage management.

“One key success was the timely and well-coordinated airlift of pilgrims, completed within the official schedules.

“We sincerely thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for their strong support in making the 2025 Hajj operation a success,” Prof. Usman said.

According to him, the support of the President and his deputy gave NAHCON “the backing needed to carry out a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj.”

He also expressed his appreciation to the media for their efforts in helping the commission “share updated information with Nigerians,” saying, “We appreciate your support.”

Usman called for prayers for Nigerian pilgrims as they begin their religious obligations in the Holy Land, adding, “We ask every one of you and others to pray for their successful Hajj.”

While expressing hope of receiving the pilgrims back home soon, safe and sound, the NAHCON chairman assured that the commission would continue to provide support for the pilgrims in the Holy Land to help them perform their pilgrimage and return safely to Nigeria.

“We look forward to welcoming them back home soon, safe and sound. Everything is in the hand of Allah.

“But as we unite ourselves, work together like one family, in shaa Allah, my team and I will continue supporting our pilgrims, helping them to complete their pilgrimage and return to Nigeria safely, in shaa Allah,” Usman said.