Hajj 2026: NAHCON Airlifts Over 9,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to Madinah
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Madinah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia, the airlift operation began on Sunday and has continued smoothly with pilgrims departing from different states across Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saudi authorities approved 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The pilgrims are expected to spend about four days in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for the main Hajj rites.
NAHCON disclosed that the inaugural flight, UMZA flight UMZ3501, departed on Sunday with 473 pilgrims from Kogi State, comprising 296 males and 177 females.
Also on Sunday, a Flynas flight transported 418 pilgrims from Kebbi State, including 259 males and 159 females, while a MaxAir flight conveyed 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State, made up of 381 males and 179 females.
On Monday, Air Peace airlifted 315 pilgrims from Oyo State to Madinah, comprising 155 males and 160 females.
Another Flynas flight departed Kebbi with 427 pilgrims and two officials onboard. The passengers included 283 males and 144 females.
Similarly, an UMZA flight from Dutse, Jigawa State, transported 480 pilgrims, made up of 306 males and 174 females.
A MaxAir flight also conveyed 411 pilgrims from Gombe State, consisting of 238 males and 173 females.
NAHCON further confirmed the transportation of 557 additional pilgrims from Nasarawa State, 394 from Jigawa, 424 more from Nasarawa, 343 from Osun State, and 550 from Gombe State.
Pilgrims from Kebbi, Kwara and Plateau states have also arrived in Madinah as the airlift operation continues.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He urged pilgrims to conduct themselves with humility and discipline while in the Holy Land.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also charged the pilgrims to uphold values that project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people. Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience and integrity,” the vice president said.
Shettima described the pilgrimage as a sacred responsibility requiring both government support and responsible conduct from pilgrims.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and smooth movement of all Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj operations.
