THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially concluded the 2026 Hajj outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ahead of the commencement of Hajj rites.
News Point Nigeria reports that the commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the outbound airlift operations, which began on May 3, 2026, ended with a final Max Air flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State through the Gusau International Airport.
According to NAHCON, a total of 98 outbound flights were successfully operated within 18 days, averaging about five flights daily throughout the exercise.
Nigeria was allocated a total Hajj quota of 50,000 pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage exercise. The figure includes 9,750 slots reserved for licensed tour operators, operational support personnel and statutory officials.
The commission stated that at the conclusion of the airlift exercise, about 39,000 pilgrims under the government quota, excluding officials and government representatives, had been successfully transported to Saudi Arabia for the performance of Hajj.
NAHCON, however, disclosed that some intending pilgrims were unable to travel due to unavoidable circumstances, including deaths and ill health after the issuance of visas.
The commission expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for what it described as an orderly, peaceful and successful coordination among all stakeholders involved in the airlift operation.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the cooperation and resilience shown by the commission’s board members, staff, Nigerian pilgrims, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, official air carriers, security agencies, operational committees and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the exercise.
The commission also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima in ensuring the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims despite challenges linked to global socio-political uncertainties.
“The Commission particularly appreciated the enormous support and diligent guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the supervision of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, in ensuring the safety and overall wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims despite challenges occasioned by uncertainties in global socio-political trends,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, NAHCON said preparations are being finalised for the return flight operations scheduled to commence on June 3, 2026.
The commission added that details concerning the return schedules for pilgrims would be communicated in due course.
