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, following the completion of this year’s Hajj rites.
The disclosure was made by the commission’s Director of Training and Research, Professor Abubakar Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, in Makkah.
Professor Abubakar stated that all logistics and operational arrangements had been finalised to ensure a smooth, safe and seamless return journey for Nigerian pilgrims.
He explained that NAHCON, working closely with state pilgrims welfare boards, airline operators and Saudi authorities, had put adequate measures in place to guarantee orderly transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria without unnecessary delays or airport congestion.
According to him, the return schedule was carefully structured to enhance efficiency and ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
The NAHCON official also commended the level of collaboration among stakeholders involved in the 2026 Hajj operation, describing the exercise as one of the most organised in recent years.
He urged pilgrims to strictly comply with all travel guidelines, particularly those relating to luggage, travel documentation and departure schedules, to facilitate hitch-free operations.
Professor Abubakar further advised pilgrims to remain patient, disciplined and cooperative with officials handling the return flights, stressing that successful airlift operations depend largely on mutual understanding and compliance.
In his response, the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, praised NAHCON for its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
He specifically commended the improvements recorded in coordination, accommodation and transportation during the 2026 Hajj exercise, noting that the efforts had contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Amirul Hajj assured that pilgrims from Kano State would continue to obey laid down regulations and cooperate fully with officials to ensure successful return flights to Nigeria.
He also encouraged pilgrims to use the remaining days of their stay in the Holy Land to offer prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and the country at large.
Meanwhile, officials of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board have intensified sensitisation campaigns on departure procedures and travel guidelines ahead of the commencement of the return journey.
Several pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made so far and prayed for safe journeys back home and joyful reunions with their families.