AS Hajj 2025 approaches, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations to ensure a smooth travel and pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims.
The president of AHUON, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Yusuf Ekundayo, gave the assurance in an interview with an Islamic newspaper, Muslim News, where he shared insights into the association’s readiness for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had confirmed May 9, 2025, as the date for the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON, together with the Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards under the Forum of States, also revealed the airline allocations for the four airlines expected to airlift 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims.
About the arrangements for the spiritual journey, Alhaji Ekundayo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Firdaos Hajj and Umrah Services Limited, confirmed that a total of 13,000 pilgrims would be airlifted via scheduled and chartered flights.
“As of today, many operators have secured their visas, and we’re prepared for the flight arrangements,” he said.
Alhaji Ekundayo clarified that while NAHCON had announced 43,000 slots for state pilgrims, private operators were directly allocated 20,000 slots by Saudi Arabia. However, high costs have led to the full registration of only 13,000 slots by private operators.
“Twenty thousand slots were given to private operators directly by Saudi Arabia, but due to the high cost, many could not register. So, the total number of pilgrims private operators could secure nationwide is 13,000,” he explained.
Despite this, Ekundayo remained optimistic. “Aside from that, we have kept the ball rolling regarding all necessary preparations, and we are ready for Hajj this year, insha Allah,” he said.
Addressing concerns about potential factionalism within AHUON, he dismissed rumours of division, emphasising that all operators are united under the association.
“As far as I know, there is no faction in AHUON—just some disgruntled elements trying to cause trouble. The 13,000 slots are for everyone,” he affirmed.
Flight arrangements are a key part of the preparations, and Ekundayo emphasised AHUON’s commitment to supporting local airlines.
While many operators will rely on international carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, AHUON has chosen to partner with Umza Airline, a local carrier approved by NAHCON for state pilgrims.
“AHUON, as a body, is engaging a local flight known as Umza Airline. It’s one of the four airlines screened and approved by NAHCON for state pilgrims,” Ekundayo explained.
He also highlighted the economic benefits of supporting local airlines, noting that funds spent on foreign carriers often leave the country. “We chose Umza Airline to promote the economy of our country,” he added.
Discussing the reasons for avoiding foreign airlines, Ekundayo pointed out the challenges faced by pilgrims travelling on international flights.
“A journey of about five or six hours will take almost an entire day with foreign airlines. Our pilgrims face many challenges—transiting in Doha or Dubai, often without access to hotels.
“Many of the pilgrims are elderly, and by the time they arrive in Saudi Arabia, they are already exhausted. This affects the essence of their pilgrimage,” he explained, emphasising the importance of comfort and efficiency for the pilgrims’ spiritual well-being.
He stressed AHUON’s commitment to a smooth and efficient operation, saying the association is working to minimise any distractions during the Hajj season.
“We are collaborating with NAHCON for the success of Hajj operations, insha Allah. Even if we make an official statement, it will be after Hajj, by the grace of God,” Ekundayo said, adding that AHUON’s focus remains on delivering a successful pilgrimage experience.
For Al-Firdaos Hajj and Umrah Services, preparations are also underway, with seminars scheduled for pilgrims to help them understand the rites of Hajj.
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“For someone paying eight to 10 million naira to perform Hajj, it is essential they know exactly what they are going there for. It is not tourism; it is worship,” Ekundayo emphasised. The agency’s seminar will run from May 3 to 25, with flights scheduled to depart on May 27.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of AHUON and CEO of Qibla International Services, Alhaji AbdulFatah AbdulMajeed, shared his outlook for Hajj 2025.
He noted that while 13,000 slots are available for private operators, he anticipates that 80-90 percent of these slots will be utilised.
“The majority of us are going by scheduled flights,” he added.
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