NAHCON Sets June 9 for Return of 2025 Hajj Pilgrims to Nigeria
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return journey for Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will begin on June 9, 2025.
Chairman and CEO of the commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, made this known in a statement from Mina on Friday, as Muslims around the world marked Eid al-Adha—the Islamic festival of sacrifice.
According to Saleh, the first batch of return flights will include pilgrims from:
- Imo State via Air Peace,
- Bauchi State with Max Air, and
- Kebbi and Sokoto States aboard Flynas.
He urged the pilgrims to prepare for their return and pray for a smooth operation for all.
“All praise belongs to Allah for the privilege of witnessing another Eid al-Adha,” Saleh said.
“We especially congratulate the pilgrims who were present on the Day of Arafat. May Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices.”
He called on Muslims to reflect on the lessons of Hajj, including the faith of Hajara which led to the Zamzam well, and the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, whose trust in Allah turned a barren desert into the vibrant city of Makkah.
Saleh also commended the pilgrims for their patience and discipline throughout the Hajj exercise, saying it eased NAHCON’s task.
He expressed appreciation to:
- State Pilgrims Welfare Boards for effective coordination,
- NAHCON staff and ad hoc teams for their dedication—many of whom served while in the state of ihram, and
- President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their strong support throughout the 2025 Hajj operations.
Saleh concluded by promising improved performance in future pilgrimages with continued stakeholder cooperation.
