The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Saturday said it had transported 18,909 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2015 pilgrimage.
About 76,000 intending pilgrims from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The Director of Public Affairs of the commission, Alhaji Uba Mana, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that the airlift had been hitch free since it began on August 23.
Mana said the commission had so far recorded 49 flights of pilgrims mostly from Kaduna, Lagos, Sokoto, Katsina, Oyo, Lagos, Zamfara and Kogi States.
The director also said most of the pilgrims were airlifted directly to Medina, where they were expected to spend seven days before proceeding to Mecca, while others were transported to Jedda.
He added: “Buses are readily available at Jedda International Airport to transport pilgrims to Medina.
“Those airlifted to medina on August 23 will move to Mecca on August 29.”
Mana said the airlift would be concluded on September 15, adding: “No pilgrim will be left behind.
Trending
- Tiwa Savage features Nigerian, foreign stars in debut movie + Teaser
- Ondo 2024: PDP Committee Chair promises aspirants fair, credible primary election
- Breaking: Senator Ayogu Eze is dead
- Ondo 2024: PDP begins delegates accreditation ahead of primary
- Lagos workers now earn additional N35,000 wage allowance since January – Sanwo-Olu
- Akpabio’s recipe for justice reforms in Nigeria, by Ola Awoniyi
- FAAN diverts flight operations as fire breaks out at Lagos Airport
- FAAN initiates investigation of fire at Lagos airport