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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says a total of 1,622 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported to Madinah for the 2025 Hajj operation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo on Friday.
A data released by Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer, NAHCON, said that three designated Nigerian Hajj air carriers recorded a total of four flights in Bauchi, Kebbi, Imo and Lagos states.
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Mohammed said that the air carriers were MaxAir, Flynas and Air Peace
“On Friday, MaxAir flight VM3001 departed Bauchi to Madinah at 11:53hrs with 539 Bauchi pilgrims and six Officials.
“Flynas flight XY8066 departed Kebbi to Madinah at 18:29hrs with 420 Kebbi pilgrims and one official,” he said.
Mohammed said that the air carriers were MaxAir, Flynas and Air Peace
“On Friday, MaxAir flight VM3001 departed Bauchi to Madinah at 11:53hrs with 539 Bauchi pilgrims and 6 Officials.
“Flynas flight XY8066 departed Kebbi to Madinah at 18:29hrs with 420 Kebbi pilgrims and 1 official,” he said.
Muhammed said that the inaugural flight began with Air Peace flight APK 7900 which departed Owerri to Madinah at 19:36hrs with 240 pilgrims and four officials.
He said that Flynas flight XY8016 also departed Lagos to Madinah at 19:39hrs with 423 Osun pilgrims.”
Shettima had while launching the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country.
In a speech at the ceremony, held at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Shettima called for collective efforts to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
He emphasised the need for the country to learn from past exercises and avoid issues of negligence.
He urged those charged with logistical operations and support to see their responsibility as a trust from God, ensuring that every pilgrim departed and returned with heart full of gratitude.
He charged the pilgrims to see themselves beyond being spiritual travellers.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only yourself but also the pride and dignity of this nation.
“The president in his characteristic foresight has made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj,” the vice president said.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protect, support and elevate every Nigerian.
Shettima also commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo for fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion, and his commitment to the Nigerian project.
