The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially closed registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage as of May 2, citing the need to focus on the logistics of airlifting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publication Division, NAHCON, said, “Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the Commission to concentrate on airlifting pilgrims with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort.”
She added, “Any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 will be duly refunded.”
According to her, the deadline was extended beyond the original March 25 contract closure date due to the intervention of NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh.
On the Hajj airlift schedule, Usara disclosed, “Movement to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj commences from May 9.”
She noted that the inaugural flight will depart from Owerri, with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State serving as host and Vice President Kashim Shettima attending as Special Guest of Honour.
“315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states are scheduled to board the Air Peace airline for the trip,” she said.
Usara revealed that an NAHCON advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee final preparations for the launch.
She also confirmed the total number of pilgrims registered: “Registration for the 2025 Hajj ended with a record of 40,671 pilgrims.”
On the day of departure, she said, “Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on May 9 for the pilgrimage. Max Air will depart from Bauchi, while two Flynas flights will depart—one from Kebbi and another from Osun through the Lagos departure centre. The fourth flight is from Niger State, totalling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive in Madina on the first day.”
She concluded, “Further details will be shared as the activities unfold.”
