Final batch of Nigerian pilgrims returns from 2024 Hajj
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the final group of Nigerian pilgrims from the 2024 Hajj will depart from King Abdul Azeez International Airport in Jeddah on the morning of July 16, 2024. This information was conveyed in a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Public Affairs for NAHCON.
Disclosing more details on the arrivals, the commission stated that a total of 312 pilgrims from Kwara State will be arriving in Ilorin aboard an Air Peace airline flight, marking the 119th return flight from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria.
Initially, NAHCON operated 121 flights during the first phase of the Hajj, which has now been streamlined to 119 for the return journey due to the maximum utilization of seats.
The return journey, concluding three days ahead of schedule, signifies a smooth and efficient operation. The first phase saw NAHCON’s chartered airlines taking 27 days to transport all pilgrims to the Kingdom, while the return phase took 25 days. Over the course of the Hajj, 47,171 pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia, and 50,091 were returned to Nigeria within the same timeframe.
During a closing ceremony at the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, NAHCON Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the Hajj operations. He praised stakeholders for their cooperation and the pilgrims for their prayers for national and state leaders.
Arabi urged the pilgrims to continue their prayers and maintain good conduct, celebrating this year’s Hajj achievements as a promise fulfilled. He also announced that preparations for the 2025 Hajj have already begun.
Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, the Amirul Hajj for Kwara State, expressed his gratitude to the NAHCON Chairman for his prompt responses to issues.
Speaking in both Yoruba and English, he commended the Commission for the efficient processing of visas and the convenient stay in Madinah, and extended thanks on behalf of the pilgrims to the Kwara State Governor, NAHCON, and other Hajj officials and stakeholders.
