The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is set to begin the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 5.
The Director of Training and Research of the commission, Prof. Abubakar Abubakar, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, in Makkah.
Abubakar said the commission had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return of pilgrims following the completion of the 2026 Hajj rites.
“The commission has completed the necessary arrangements for a smooth return of pilgrims scheduled to commence on Friday, 5 June 2026,” Abubakar said.
He explained that NAHCON, in collaboration with state pilgrims welfare boards, airline operators and Saudi authorities, had put adequate measures in place to guarantee the orderly transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria.
According to him, the return schedule was carefully designed to minimise delays and congestion at airports while ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
The NAHCON official commended the cooperation received from state officials and other stakeholders involved in the Hajj operations, describing this year’s pilgrimage exercise as one of the most organised in recent times.
He urged pilgrims to strictly comply with guidelines concerning luggage, travel documents and departure schedules to facilitate seamless airlift operations.
Abubakar also advised the pilgrims to remain disciplined and patient, stressing that the success of the return operation largely depends on cooperation between pilgrims and officials.
In his remarks, the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Abdulkadir, appreciated NAHCON for its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
He also commended the commission for the improvements introduced during the 2026 Hajj exercise, particularly in the areas of coordination, accommodation and transportation.
The Amirul Hajj assured all that pilgrims from Kano State would continue to comply with all laid-down regulations and cooperate fully with officials to ensure successful return flights to Nigeria.
He further urged pilgrims to use the remaining period of their stay in the Holy Land to pray for peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, officials of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board have intensified sensitisation campaigns on departure procedures and travel guidelines ahead of the commencement of the return journey.