Over 17,000 Hajj Pilgrims Back Home — NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday said over 17,347 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported back home from Saudi Arabia, as the return airlift operation entered its 10th day.

According to a statement from NAHCON, the repatriation is progressing steadily, with several states having completed their return journeys, including Nasarawa, Gombe, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Jigawa, Kwara and Plateau. Lagos, Kebbi, and the FCT are also reporting significant progress, with between 65% and 80% of their pilgrims returned.

However, some states are yet to commence their return flights due to NAHCON’s “first-in-first-out” policy for airlines. States like Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, and many others are awaiting their flights.

Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reassured the public that all Nigerian pilgrims would be repatriated before the Saudi deadline of June 30, 2026. The commission has also advised airlines to adhere to the 19-day airlift window and have a contingency rescue plan in place if needed.