Hajj Flakes – 26th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH – THE PEACE (AS-SALAAM) Magazine

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A return flight departed Jeddah for Ilorin with 553 pilgrims comprising 248 from Kwara State, 209 from Ondo State and 96 from Ekiti State.
15,588 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted back to the country through 39 return flight operations.
The sixth flight conveying Kebbi State pilgrims has landed safely in Nigeria at about 9:05 a.m. Nigerian time.
Lagos State has presented Hajj certificates to its 1,600 pilgrims, with 1,032 already safely returned to Nigeria.
The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board will commence the weighing of luggage for pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight as preparations continue for their departure from Saudi Arabia.
Niger State has also announced a refund of SR123 to each of its pilgrims following reconciliation of the 2026 Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA).
The board says the refund represents surplus funds realised after exchange rate adjustments and logistical transactions connected to the Hajj exercise.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has commended Bangladesh for its efficient management of the 2026 Hajj operation and successful service delivery to pilgrims.
The Saudi minister also highlighted ongoing preparations and reforms aimed at improving services ahead of the 2027 Hajj season.
Hajj stakeholders are assessing the implications of Saudi Arabia’s decision to discontinue the widely used Package D accommodation category beginning from the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The cancellation of Package D is expected to affect many countries, including Nigeria, where most pilgrims traditionally rely on the package because of its affordability.
Analysts say the removal of the lowest-cost package may lead to higher Hajj fares in 2027 as pilgrims migrate to more expensive accommodation categories.
Saudi authorities have also introduced mandatory training for Hajj affairs offices and foreign service providers as part of broader reforms to improve Hajj administration and service quality.
NAHCON and state pilgrims’ welfare boards are expected to study the new Saudi guidelines and their possible impact on the cost and organisation of the 2027 Hajj exercise.