The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Wednesday said within five days, 35 flights have successfully conveyed 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
representing 34.4% of the total expected movement.
A statement signed by assistant director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said states that have concluded their airlift include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.
It said Ondo and Ekiti states were preparing for their final flights, which would be undertaken as a combined airlift.
NAHCON attributed 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.
It said in Madinah, the first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are expected to enter Makkah on Wednesday and commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.
The statement clarified that no official visa was issued to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this year’s hajj arrangement.