By: Lamara Garba
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will commence on June 5, 2026.
The disclosure was made by the Director of Training and Research of the commission, Professor Abubakar Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, in Makkah.
Professor Abubakar said all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return operation for Nigerian pilgrims after the completion of the 2026 Hajj rites.
According to him, the commission, in collaboration with state pilgrims welfare boards, airline operators and Saudi authorities, had put in place adequate measures to guarantee orderly transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria.
He explained that the return schedule was carefully designed to avoid unnecessary delays and congestion at airports, while also ensuring the comfort of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
The NAHCON Director commended the level of cooperation received from various state officials and stakeholders involved in the Hajj operation, describing this year’s exercise as one of the most organised in recent times.
Professor Abubakar urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to all guidelines regarding luggage, travel documents and departure schedules in order to facilitate seamless movement during the airlift operations.
He also advised pilgrims to continue exhibiting discipline and patience, noting that successful return operations depend largely on cooperation between pilgrims and officials handling the exercise.
Responding, the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its commitment towards ensuring the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
He commended the commission for the various improvements introduced during the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly in the areas of coordination, accommodation and transportation.
The Amirul Hajj assured that Kano State pilgrims would continue to comply with laid down regulations and cooperate fully with officials to ensure successful return flights back home.
He also urged the pilgrims to use the remaining period of their stay in the Holy Land to intensify prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
Meanwhile, officials of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board have continued sensitising pilgrims on departure procedures and other important travel guidelines ahead of the commencement of the return journey.
Many of the pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made so far, while praying for safe journeys and successful reunion with their families back in Nigeria.