2026 Hajj: FCT Minister Flags Off Inaugural Flight Of Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has flagged off the inaugural flight of the 2026 FCT pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The farewell ceremony for the first batch of 315 pilgrims was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where Mahmoud urged intending pilgrims from the Territory to uphold the values of discipline, obedience, and patriotism.

Describing the commencement of the airlift operation as a historic moment, the Minister of State said it reflects the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful Hajj exercise for all pilgrims from the Territory.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue, the minister prayed for divine guidance, protection, and spiritual fulfilment for the pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.

Mahmoud expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the FCT Administration and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

She also commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast support and leadership, which according to her has continued to place the FCT at the forefront of Hajj administration in Nigeria.

Emphasising the spiritual significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, the minister urged the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and the FCT while in Saudi Arabia.

“You should see yourselves as Allah’s guests. Remain steadfast in obedience to Allah, abide by the rules and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and continue to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our nation,” she stated.

Mahmoud congratulated the intending pilgrims for successfully completing the various screening and orientation exercises organised by the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noting that their patience and determination reflected their readiness for the sacred journey.

She further advised the pilgrims to safeguard their travel documents, especially their e-passports and Nusuk cards, stressing that the Saudi authorities had made it clear that “No Nusuk, No Hajj.”

She warned that losing the card could lead to serious inconveniences, including denial of access to Hajj activities.

The minister commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi-based service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiyya, for facilitating the delivery of Nusuk cards to Nigeria ahead of the pilgrimage, describing the initiative as a commendable step toward improving Hajj operations in the country.

Mahmoud equally charged officials accompanying the pilgrims, including staff and ad hoc personnel of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, to discharge their responsibilities diligently and prioritise the welfare of the pilgrims at all times.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, and the Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah, among others.