The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially closed registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage as of May 2, 2025. This decision comes after an extended registration period, which was granted to allow more Nigerians the chance to apply for the sacred journey to Mecca.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, had initially set a deadline of March 25, 2025, but extended it to accommodate more intending pilgrims. However, with the registration now officially closed, NAHCON is shifting its focus to the essential task of preparing for the airlift of registered pilgrims.
In a statement released on May 7, 2025, by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication for NAHCON, the commission clarified that any Hajj fare deposits made after the May 2 deadline would be fully refunded to those who paid.
This move ensures that the commission can concentrate on ensuring the safe and smooth transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The airlift operation is set to begin in earnest on May 9, 2025, when the first flight departs from Owerri, Imo State.
The inaugural flight will carry 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states, with the airline Air Peace operating the flight. Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will host the event, with the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honor.
The airlift will involve four separate flights departing Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on the same day. These flights will carry a total of 2,528 pilgrims and will depart from different states across Nigeria, including:
– Max Air from Bauchi State
– FlyNas from Kebbi State
– FlyNas from Osun State (via the Lagos departure center)
– A fourth flight from Niger State
This coordinated effort is part of NAHCON’s plan to ensure the smooth departure of 40,671 pilgrims from Nigeria, which is the official quota allocated to the country for the 2025 Hajj.
NAHCON has already set up an advance team in Owerri, the departure hub, to oversee the arrangements for the pilgrimage. This team will ensure that everything runs smoothly, from registration verification to the safety of the pilgrims as they embark on their spiritual journey.
The closure of registration and the upcoming airlift mark the final stages of the preparations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. NAHCON is urging all registered pilgrims to prepare for their departure and follow the guidelines set to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey.
As the countdown to the pilgrimage continues, Nigerian Muslims are eagerly looking forward to fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam.
