Niger Airlifts 345 Pilgrims Today

The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board is set to airlift 345 pilgrims from Chanchaga and Borgu local government areas with the first flight scheduled for today.

A statement by the Executive Secretary Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu yesterday said, “that the First flight conveying pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj Exercise is scheduled for Monday, 11th, May, 2026.”

“The flight with 345 capacity will airlift part of Pilgrims from Chanchaga, and Borgu Local government Area.Pilgrims are advised to arrive Minna Hajj Camp on Sunday evening to allow for early Medical screening and other security checks for take off on Monday” he stated further.

Sheikh Awal said all intending pilgrims should be aware that the E-Nusuk grouping system does not allow change of flight, therefore, any NO show will have to forfeit his/her 2026 Hajj seat.

Meanwhile LEADERSHIP findings revealed that no fewer than 500 intending pilgrims who the government released their names may not be able to perform this year’s hajj.

It was learnt that the names were not captured because the names were submitted late, they included those going for essential duties like media and medicals.

The Executive Secretary of the board was however silence about their fate as the portal as instructed by Saudi Arabia was reported closed before the names were submitted.