The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday disclosed that a total of 18,061 pilgrims have been so far airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise.
Recall that the Commission had its inaugural flight for this year’s Hajj operations in Kebbi State on May 15.
Speaking in Abuja on the first day of the Hajj Induction Workshop organised for intending pilgrims by Marquis Concierge; and Finest Travels and Tours, the Commission’s Commissioner in charge of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, said a total of 43 flights had departed Nigeria for the Saudi Arabia.
According to him, 38 flights landed in Minna with 15,782 pilgrims and five flights arrived in Jeddah with 2,297 pilgrims.
Elegushi, who expressed appreciation for the success recorded thus far, noted that 10,588 male pilgrims and 7,473 pilgrims were already in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj exercise.
He also disclosed that 6,842 and 11,219 pilgrims were already in Medina and Mecca respectively.
Elegushi, however, pleaded with the participants and other intending pilgrims to exercise patience while in the Holy Land and encouraged them to pray for the development and advancement of the country.
The NAHCON commissioner also disclosed that the commission’s health system would accommodate all the pilgrims either from the states or travel agencies.
To this end, Elegushi who assured that the commission would strive to have a seamless Hajj operation, expressed NAHCON’s resolve to partner with travel agents to have successful Hajj operations.
