The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that a total of 35 flights have successfully conveyed 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was contained in a statement by the NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Wednesday.
The airlift, which started five days ago, Usara, who was speaking on behalf of NAHCON’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed, represents 34.4 percent of the total expected movement.
She recalled that this time last year, the airlift stood at 20.2 percent of pilgrims, having conducted 23 flights that transported 9,788 pilgrims.
Similarly, she said states that have concluded their airlift included Oyo State, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti States are currently preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.
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The release reads in part: “Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far.
“On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence.
“The Commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.
“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the State Pilgrims’ Boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift.
Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness.
“All flights are currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.
“Also in Madinah, the first set of pilgrims that arrived in the Kingdom are expected to enter Makkah today whence they will commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.”
Usara stressed that it is important to clarify that no official visa was issued to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this year’s Hajj arrangement.
Consequently, NAHCON urged the public to report anyone who claims to be in possession of an official visa or selling the same at any price at all, adding that the Commission “does not authorize any individual, apart from licensed Tour Operators to register pilgrims for Hajj”.
NAHCON directed that anyone with information and evidence of the Commission’s officials or any other individual “selling” official Hajj slots is invited to kindly furnish it with such intelligence, so that appropriate action can be taken to protect innocent people from being shortchanged.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has appreciated the high level of interest and concern expressed towards its operations; as partners in progress, adding that the Commission treats all concerns raised with the seriousness they deserve, promising that regular updates will continue to be shared with the public.
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