Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj have commenced their movement from Madinah to Makkah after spending four days in the holy city, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said.
In an update issued on Thursday, the commission disclosed that the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was progressing smoothly, with four official airlines involved in the operation.
According to the commission, “Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace and Flynas have so far transported 9,756 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.”
NAHCON also advised intending pilgrims wishing to visit the Rawdah, the burial chamber of Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, to work closely with their respective state pilgrims’ welfare boards for proper coordination before departing for Makkah.
The commission explained that officials of the various state pilgrims’ boards had already received training on the procedures for arranging Rawdah visits.
“NAHCON wishes to assure Nigerian pilgrims that officials of the state pilgrims’ welfare boards have been adequately guided and trained on the booking procedures for Rawdah visits,” the statement read.
The commission, however, cautioned pilgrims to be patient and orderly due to congestion and crowd-control measures around the holy site.
“Access to the Rawdah is strictly subject to space availability and approved bookings. Pilgrims are advised to remain calm and comply with the guidance of their Ulama concerning the validity and acceptance of their Hajj rites,” it added.
NAHCON further stressed that although visiting the Rawdah is considered a spiritual blessing, it is not a compulsory condition for the acceptance of Hajj.
“Visiting the Rawdah is a blessed opportunity, but not a requirement for the validity of Hajj. Allah grants such opportunities according to His will,” the commission stated.
