The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has begun the inbound transportation of Nigerian pilgrims, with 1,310 of them already returned back home from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A data released by Malam Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer, NAHCON, said that four designated Nigerian Hajj air carriers recorded a total of four flights.
A fire has engulfed the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The hotel was hosting over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday, caused extensive damage to sections of the building.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina at the time, observing the symbolic stoning ritual—an essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts helped contain the blaze and prevent any casualties.
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman promptly visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
Visibly shaken by the destruction, Usman offered comfort to the affected pilgrims and praised the prompt intervention of local authorities.
“Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress.”
Usman also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their quick response to the incident.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Lagos State contingents to this year’s Holy Pilgrimage have held separate special prayers at the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
They sought Allah’s intervention on various issues plaguing the nation.
The special prayers was led by reverred Nigerian scholars.
NAHCON and the entire 1,315 Lagos State pilgrims that gathered at the plain of Arafah, offered prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof Saleh Usman, thanked Allah for the Nigerian pilgrims’ journey so far.
He said Allah has helped the commission to surmount various challenges.
He said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.
He urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to supplicate for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
The commission chief emphasized the importance of prayer, describing it as a special tool for national transformation.
He urged Nigerian pilgrims to continue interceding for the country throughout the Hajj, noting that the challenges facing the nation require both practical solutions and spiritual support. He also praised the pilgrims for their discipline and unity so far during the Hajj rites. The Arafah convergence of pilgrims marked a significant aspect of the Holy pilgrimage exercise.
Apart from offering prayers, other activities carried out by the State officials, included lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, who emphasized that the mountain of Arafah is the meeting point for Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were chased out of the paradise by Allah, for their disobedience to His commandments.
Highpoint of the Lagos event was the declaration of all pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amir-ul-Hajj/Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. He congratulated everyone for the privilege and encouraged them to allow the teachings of Hajj reflect in their personal lives, businesses and relationship with fellow human beings.
Layode used the avenue to appreciate the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who made a video call to felicitate with the pilgrims.
He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other government functionaries for their cooperation and support towards the success of the Hajj exercise.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled its promises by giving each of the 1,315 pilgrims performing the 2025 Holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 180 Saudi Riyal.
Layode stated that as a God fearing man and a promise-keeper, the governor gave out the money as promised during a One-day Seminar held in Lagos in May. He explained further that 80SR is to take care of their Ihram clothing while the remaining 100SR is for their upkeep in Mina and Arafah for the main Hajj rituals. He added that the Governor has also fulfilled his promise of paying for the Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams of the pilgrims as well as their ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
The Commissioner who described Dhul Hijjah as a sacred month and a time for heightened devotion, reflection and acts of worship, appealed to the pilgrims to take advantage of the period to pray fervently for themselves, their families, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Lagos State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria at large.
He stressed that Arafah is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, hence, he urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to seek Allah’s favour, forgiveness and mercy.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Lagos State contingents to this year’s Holy Pilgrimage have held separate special prayers at the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
They sought Allah’s intervention on various issues plaguing the nation.
The special prayers was led by reverred Nigerian scholars.
NAHCON and the entire 1,315 Lagos State pilgrims that gathered at the plain of Arafah, offered prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof Saleh Usman, thanked Allah for the Nigerian pilgrims’ journey so far.
He said Allah has helped the commission to surmount various challenges.
He said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.
He urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to supplicate for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
The commission chief emphasized the importance of prayer, describing it as a special tool for national transformation.
He urged Nigerian pilgrims to continue interceding for the country throughout the Hajj, noting that the challenges facing the nation require both practical solutions and spiritual support.
He also praised the pilgrims for their discipline and unity so far during the Hajj rites.
The Arafah convergence of pilgrims marked a significant aspect of the Holy pilgrimage exercise.
Apart from offering prayers, other activities carried out by the State officials, included lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar, who emphasized that the mountain of Arafah is the meeting point for Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were chased out of the paradise by Allah, for their disobedience to His commandments.
Highpoint of the Lagos event was the declaration of all pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amir-ul-Hajj/Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. He congratulated everyone for the privilege and encouraged them to allow the teachings of Hajj reflect in their personal lives, businesses and relationship with fellow human beings.
Layode used the avenue to appreciate the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who made a video call to felicitate with the pilgrims.
He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other government functionaries for their cooperation and support towards the success of the Hajj exercise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled its promises by giving each of the 1,315 pilgrims performing the 2025 Holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 180 Saudi Riyal.
Layode stated that as a God fearing man and a promise-keeper, the Governor gave out the money as promised during a One-day Seminar held in Lagos in May. He explained further that 80SR is to take care of their Ihram clothing while the remaining 100SR is for their upkeep in Mina and Arafah for the main Hajj rituals. He added that the Governor has also fulfilled his promise of paying for the Hadiyah (sacrificial) rams of the pilgrims as well as their ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
The Commissioner who described Dhul Hijjah as a sacred month and a time for heightened devotion, reflection and acts of worship, appealed to the pilgrims to take advantage of the period to pray fervently for themselves, their families, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Lagos State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria at large.
He stressed that Arafah is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, hence, he urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to seek Allah’s favour, forgiveness and mercy.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commended Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj for exhibiting exceptional honesty and integrity through the voluntary return of lost cash and valuables to their rightful owners.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Makkah, the Head of Public Affairs of the Commission, Malam Muhammad Musa, highlighted the numerous acts of uprightness by pilgrims, who have consistently returned misplaced funds, belonging to both Nigerians and foreigners.
These acts of integrity attest to the moral character of our pilgrims, who continue to distinguish themselves positively on the global stage, Musa said.
In one particularly laudable instance, the Deputy Coordinator of NAHCON’s Makkah Operations, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, presented three pilgrims to the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi’u Elegushi, after they voluntarily returned two lost purses containing cash.
One of the pilgrims, Alhaji Bello Ajani from Ede Local Government Area of Osun State, found 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately $53.31). He returned the money through Alhaji Abdurasheed Abdulazeez, Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs to the Oyo State Government.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1 per cent of the total intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise.
The development, in a statement by Assistant Director, Information and Publication Fatima Sanda Usara, was achieved through 79 flights operated since the commencement of the airlift operations on May 9.
According to the commission, many states have concluded their airlift operations including Adamawa and Plateau, those with one flights only to complete their operations today include Bauchi and Gombe States, with 30 pilgrims each left to be airlifted.
Jigawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also expected to complete their pilgrim airlift today. Kwara State, with 137 pilgrims remaining, will conclude by joining a Kano Max Air flight this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Benue pilgrims will join intending pilgrims from the South-South section to undertake a combined and only flight from the region on May 23rd, marking the last phase of the airlift for the area.
The commission said: “No flight cancellations have been recorded since the airlift began. However, deliberate minor delays were arranged to allow for the proper clean-up and decongestion of hotels in Madinah especially with the surge in arrivals. Such cleanup procedures are standard operational routines following vacation of rooms during the Hajj season.
“This goes unnoticed during initial airlift periods but cause misinterpretations at peak periods when a higher number of pilgrims are on the ground, requiring immediate turnover.”
NAHCON thanked the pilgrims and entire communities for their goodwill, patience and prayers, and reaffirm the commission’s resolve to ensure a smooth Hajj for every pilgrim.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has transported 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj in one week.
NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafil Mohammed, in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had on May 9 declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo.
Mohammed, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations, said that within six days, 50 flights have successfully conveyed 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He said that the commission would regularly update the public on the exercise progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAHCON is a government’s agency that regulates and coordinates Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims to ensure a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage experience.
This includes licensing and supervising organisations involved in Hajj and Umrah operations, and coordinating with government authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has airlifted 14,165 pilgrims in five days.
This, the commission said, represents 34.4 per cent of the total pilgrims for this year’s edition.
A statement by Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the figure is an improvement from last year’s 20.2 per cent of pilgrims with 23 flights transported 9, 788 pilgrims.
She listed the States that have concluded their airlift to include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa States.
Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti States are preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.
The commission said: “Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far. On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence. The commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.
“NAHCON attributes 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. The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfill the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON. “Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness. All flights are currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.”
She said the first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are now in Makkah to commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran.”
This marks an improvement from last year’s exercise.
According to the commission, Air Peace has concluded the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, transporting 559 out of the 564 scheduled.
Similarly, Max Air has completed the airlift of Oyo State pilgrims with a total of 1,083 pilgrims successfully conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Imo and Abia States have also completed their operations, except a few “no-show” pilgrims during the inaugural flight. These will be accommodated in the mop-up flights later in the exercise.
For Nasarawa State with 944 pilgrims, UMZA Air is concluding its operations currently with the final flight already on the ground, preparing for takeoff.
Going forward, UMZA Air is scheduled to begin the airlift of Kaduna State pilgrims on Wednesday and will operate back-to-back flights. FlyNas will commence the airlift of Sokoto pilgrims by May 13th and, barring any changes, will begin operations for Abuja pilgrims on Friday. Air Peace is slated to begin the transportation of Borno pilgrims on Sunday.
NAHCON Chairman Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman hailed the performance of the airlines, the State Pilgrims’ Boards and other stakeholders for their cooperation that facilitated the smooth and timely movement of pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially begun this year’s operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the commission’s Principal Information Officer, Shafii Mohammed, said the team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja yesterday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House.
NAHCON’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, kauded the team’s performance during the previous Hajj and reaffirmed his trust in members of the team.
