NAHCON Chairman Leaves for Saudi Arabia as Final Hajj Flight Departs
Concludes 2025 outbound airlift with gratitude, praises teamwork, and assures pilgrims of smooth return — as final Umza flight departs with 253 passengers on board
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, departed Nigeria aboard the final outbound flight for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, marking the official conclusion of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing journalists at the airport before departure, Professor Usman expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved in what he described as a “challenging but successful” operation.
“As we close the outbound airlift program for the 2025 Hajj operation, this is a very important moment for all of us,” he said. “We have successfully airlifted thousands of pilgrims over the past few weeks. It hasn’t been easy, but with good planning, divine help from Almighty Allah, and teamwork, we have concluded this phase successfully. Alhamdulillah.”
The chairman acknowledged the dedication of government agencies, airline partners, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, and numerous support staff whose efforts, he said, were critical to the operation’s success.
“Our main goal has been to ensure that every pilgrim travels smoothly and is well taken care of. I believe we have achieved that,” he noted, adding that while there were challenges along the way, they were swiftly addressed.
Professor Usman highlighted one of the commission’s major achievements this year: the timely and well-coordinated transportation of pilgrims within the official schedule. He extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support, which he said provided NAHCON with the political and administrative backing needed to deliver a seamless Hajj experience.
“We sincerely thank the President and Vice President for their strong support. Their encouragement gave us the confidence to move forward with coordination and purpose.”
Turning to the press, the NAHCON boss commended journalists for their role in educating and updating the public throughout the Hajj preparations and airlift.
“To you, my people, the media, thank you for helping us share updated information with Nigerians. We appreciate your support.”
When asked if the return flights will be as seamless as the outbound, the chairman responded with optimism and faith:
“Everything is in the hand of Allah. But as we work together like one family, InshaAllah, my team and I will continue supporting our pilgrims so they perform their rites and return home safely.”
Expressing satisfaction with reports coming from Saudi Arabia, he concluded:
“Alhamdulillah, the information we are receiving shows that our pilgrims are in good condition. They are receiving what they need and performing their rites smoothly. That is something to be happy about.”
The successful airlift marks a key milestone in the 2025 Hajj operation, with attention now turning to the welfare of pilgrims in the holy land and preparations for their safe return.
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