Hajj 2026: NAHCON Concludes Outbound Airlift Operation
BALOGUN Ganiat, Abuja
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON) says it has concluded the 2006 airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at about 10.44am Thursday morning
According to NAHCON, “A total of 98 outbound flights were operated within 18 days, averaging about five flights daily. Nigeria was allocated a total Hajj quota of 50,000 Pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise. This figure includes 9,750 slots allocated to Licensed Tour Operators as well ad operational support personnel and statutory officials. As at the conclusion of the airlift, about 39,000 Pilgrims from the government quota, excluding officials and government representatives were successfully airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, some intending Pilgrims could not travel due to deaths and ill health after issuance of Visas.”
The Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Ismail Abbah Yusuf commends the cooperation and resilience demonstrated by NAHCON, board members, staff,Pilgrims, welfare boards, licensed tour operators, official air carriers, security agencies, operational committees and other stakeholders who contributed to the success recorded.
The Chairman appreciates the enormous support and deligent guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. As well as the supervision of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima,GCON, for ensuring the safety and overall well being of the Pilgrims despite the uncertainty of the global socio-political trends.
The Commission seek the continued cooperation of Pilgrims with its officials and relevant authorities as they work tirelessly to safeguard their comfort and welfare.