The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated why it closed the pilgrims registration exercise for the 2025 Hajj.
Assistant Director of the Information and Publication Division, NAHCON Hajia Fatima Usara, , stated the reason in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said the commission closed the registration of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj on May 2 and that the reason was to enable it to concentrate on the airlift of pilgrims.
In addition, NAHCON says any 2025 Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 would be duly refunded.
According to Usara, an extension was earlier made possible through the intervention of NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, despite closure of contract by March 25.
“Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the Commission to concentrate on airlifting pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort.
“Any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 will be duly refunded.
“Meanwhile, movement to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj commences from May 9,” she said.
Inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj was scheduled to take off from Owerri, with Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo as host, she informed, adding that 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia and Bayelsa were scheduled to board the Air Peace airline for the trip.
“Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
“Already, the NAHCON advance team arrived in Owerri earlier on May 7 to monitor preparations for the inaugural flight,” a NAN report quotes her as saying.
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“Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on May 9 for the pilgrimage.
“The flights are expected as follows: Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights, one from Kebbi and the other from Osun through the Lagos departure centre.
“There is a fourth flight from Niger, totalling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive in Madina on the first day.
“Further details will be shared as the activities unfold,” she said.
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