In the wake of the 2023 Pilgrimage activities, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reassured the pilgrims that their journey to the Holy Land will continue as planned. Earlier, an incident occurred that prevented the initial airlift of Jigawa State pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj. Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the chairman of NAHCON, stated in a press release signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, the assistant director of public affairs, that measures have been taken to address any flight delays or cancellations that may hinder the smooth transportation of the pilgrims.
The contracted air carrier of NAHCON, responsible for transporting 454 Jigawa pilgrims, had to make an emergency landing at Aminu Kano International Airport due to heavy rainfall and uncontrollable natural circumstances. Despite the delay caused by this natural occurrence, the chairman assured that the situation has been effectively managed and will not disrupt the movement of Jigawa pilgrims to the Holy Land.
In other updates, the 2023 Hajj airlift from Nigeria is currently in its seventh day, with more than 33 flights completed thus far. Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa States have successfully airlifted their respective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, and progress is being made by other states as well. To expedite the transportation of all Nigerian intending pilgrims, NAHCON has increased the number of its air carriers to five.
Presently, 14,188 Nigerian pilgrims have safely arrived in Madinah, and the number of flights transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom will increase in the coming days. Intending pilgrims are advised to remain prepared for their imminent departure to Saudi Arabia. After spending eight days in Medina, the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims will arrive in Makkah on Friday.
