The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return of Nigerian pilgrims from the 2025 Hajj will begin on June 9.
Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, made this known in a statement issued in Mina on Friday while extending Eid-al-Adha greetings to Muslims.
“All praise belongs to Allah for the privilege of witnessing another Eid-al-Adha. On behalf of NAHCON, I heartily congratulate all Muslims on the occasion, especially those who witnessed the Day of Arafat,” he said.
According to Saleh, the first batch of return flights will include pilgrims from Imo State with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto States with Flynas.
He urged those in the first set to be prepared for their journey and to pray for a smooth and successful return operation for all pilgrims.
Reflecting on the spiritual essence of Hajj, Saleh encouraged Muslims to draw lessons from the acts of sacrifice and trust exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and Sayyidatuna Hajara.
“See how trust in Allah led to the blessings of food and security in the desert, and how obedience was rewarded with the thriving city of Makkah,” he said.
He added that trust in Allah, obedience to leadership, and discipline are the keys to the prosperity of any nation.
Saleh also commended Nigerian pilgrims for their cooperation and discipline throughout the pilgrimage, noting that their conduct made NAHCON’s work easier.
He thanked State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards for their effective organisation and NAHCON staff and ad-hoc personnel for their dedication, many of whom continued serving even while observing religious rites.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying their backing contributed to the success of this year’s Hajj operations.
“We also commend the excellent services witnessed in the Mashair: Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. NAHCON remains committed to improving further, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders,” he added.
(NAN)