Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan has announced the completion of the airlift of 95,000 Nigerian Muslims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
The chairman, who spoke to newsmen at the Pilgrims Terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja before the take off of the final flights of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, said: “this year’s operation is about the first time in 10 years when we are going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a total number of over 95,000.
“It has taken a while for Nigeria pilgrims to get this number.
“And the beauty of it is that despite the number, we are able to airlift all the pilgrims of the states
“And l must say that even those of the tour operators who are challenged, by 2am after midnight today the last of tour pilgrims will leave Lagos.”
Alhaji Hassan said that the Commission is safe to conclude that every of the operation managed or micromanaged by the NAHCON as far as airlift is concerned would be in the Kingdom and be able to be part of Arafah this year.
The Chairman said however that there would a 2pm flight today, June 24, saying: “that 2 o’clock flight will be the final flight. It consists of no pilgrims.
“Just our staff and some stakeholders.
“We decided to make it 2 o’clock in the event that any Nigerian who has visa and proper documents is anywhere in the country.
“All he needs to do is to get to Abuja Saturday morning and once his documents proven that he’s indeed a bonafide registered hajj pilgrim with visa, he would be carried in that aircraft.”
Alhaji Hassan expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Vice President Kashim Shettima, for their support during the difficult times, explaining: “we were frightened.
“There was time when to transfer funds was difficult, processing of visa became difficult.
“All our challenges were possibly overcome because we have the support of Mr. President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his Vice President, who were with us at all times when there were difficulties.
“On behalf of NAHCON, indeed the hajj family, we are very grateful to them.”
The Chairman also thanked airlines for their patience and accommodation.
Hassan said that the Commission could not pay the airlines in time yet the airlines were resilient and “that is why we have today to thank Allah.”
The Chairman acknowledged the contributions of NAHCON staff and board members towards successes recorded so far.
