2023 Hajj: We’ve Airlifted 35,817 Nigerian Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia – NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has transported a total of 35,817 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 85 flights since the commencement of airlift operations on May 25, 2023.

The Madinah’s coordinator of NAHCON, Ibrahim Idris Mahmud, disclosed this yesterday while briefing newsmen on the 2023 Hajj operations in Madinah so far.

He said out of 35,817 pilgrims transported to the Kingdom, 15,749 have moved to Makkah to continue with the next phase of the Hajj ritual, while 20, 068 are still in Madinah praying at the Prophet’s Mosque and performing their ziyarat.

According to Mahmud, NAHCON is determined to make the 2023 Hajj a memorable one for the pilgrims, saying the commission established a central clinic in Madina as part of efforts to provide effective healthcare services to the pilgrims.

He added that it also set up three outpost clinics in strategic locations to attend to the health needs of the pilgrims.

“As at today, a total of 80 flights conveying 35,817 pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and they were all accommodated in 31 hotels.

“Pilgrims have been performing their prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque and visiting some religious and historical places in Madina,” he said.

He said despite the challenges earlier encountered, the  leadership of the commission is committed towards ensuring that the pilgrims perform their Hajj rites with ease, while assuring that the commission was working tirelessly to address the challenges arising from pilgrims’ accommodation and feeding.