The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a 32-member Screening and Aviation Monitoring Committee to oversee the selection process for air carriers and cargo operators for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
A six-member Secretariat was also inaugurated alongside the opening of application forms for the issuance of Hajj licenses to airlift pilgrims.
The event, held on Tuesday, at NAHCON’s headquarters in Abuja, marked the commencement of activities aimed at ensuring a seamless airlift and luggage transportation for the pilgrimage.
The Screening Committee, chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspection, and Licensing (OILS), Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, comprises representatives from various aviation stakeholders, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, security agencies, and NAHCON staff.
Key agencies represented include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
Eleven airlines, including Saudi Arabia’s FlyNas and Flyadeal, have applied to airlift pilgrims, while nine Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, Max Air Ltd, and UMZA Aviation Services, also submitted applications. Five cargo companies are competing to handle excess luggage transportation.
During the inauguration, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, emphasised the critical role of the committees, urging members to adhere strictly to their terms of reference and deliver exceptional service to pilgrims. He highlighted the significance of their work in ensuring a successful Hajj operation.
Prince Elegushi, in his remarks, assured stakeholders of a transparent screening process and called on committee members to dedicate themselves to completing the task within the allotted timeframe. “We aim to replicate the success of last year’s Hajj airlift and even surpass it,” he said.
Representatives from the National Assembly commended NAHCON’s transparent procedures. Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, represented by Alhaji Rabi’u Adamu Pan-Uku, pledged support for the initiative, while Hon. Jaafaru Muhammad advised the successful airlines to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and the fear of God.
The committee is expected to submit its report by December 2, 2024, setting the stage for the next phase of preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
