The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been airlifted to the city of Madinah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Information obtained from NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia showed that the figure was recorded since the commencement of the airlift operation on Sunday.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saudi Arabian authorities approved 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Pilgrims are expected to spend four days in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah.
NAHCON’s update revealed that the first flight departed on Sunday with UMZA flight UMZ3501, which conveyed 473 pilgrims from Kogi State, made up of 296 men and 177 women.
Another Flynas flight transported 418 pilgrims from Kebbi State, comprising 259 males and 159 females.
Similarly, MaxAir airlifted 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State, including 381 men and 179 women.
On Monday, an Air Peace flight departed Lagos for Madinah with 315 pilgrims from Oyo State, consisting of 155 males and 160 females.
Also on Monday, Flynas conveyed 427 Kebbi pilgrims to Madinah. The passengers included 283 men, 144 women, and two officials.
An UMZA flight from Dutse, Jigawa State, also transported 480 pilgrims, made up of 306 men and 174 women.
In the same vein, MaxAir flew 411 pilgrims from Gombe State to Madinah, comprising 238 males and 173 females.
NAHCON further confirmed the transportation of 557 pilgrims from Nasarawa, 394 from Jigawa, 424 additional pilgrims from Nasarawa, 343 from Osun, and 550 from Gombe State.
Pilgrims from Kebbi, Kwara, and Plateau states have equally arrived in Madinah.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, reassured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He urged pilgrims to conduct themselves with humility and discipline while in the Holy Land.
Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on pilgrims to uphold values that project Nigeria positively and serve as worthy ambassadors of the country.
According to him, pilgrims represent Nigeria on the global stage and must display the nation’s best image while obeying the regulations of the host country.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people.
“Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity,” he said.
Shettima described the pilgrimage as a sacred bond between Nigeria and its citizens, stressing that the government would continue to protect the welfare of pilgrims while they uphold the country’s values.
He added that the Hajj operation places a major responsibility on public institutions to ensure the safety, dignity, and smooth movement of pilgrims.
“Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he stated.
(NAN)
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