The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has officially announced the closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The decision, which took effect on May 2, was taken to allow the Commission to focus on the commencement of airlifting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Hajia Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publication Division of NAHCON.
Usara explained that although the formal closure of registration contracts occurred on March 25, the process was extended due to the intervention of the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh.
“Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the Commission to concentrate on airlifting pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort,” she stated.
She added that any deposits made for Hajj fare after May 2 would be refunded accordingly.
“Any Hajj fare deposit received after May 2 will be duly refunded,” she said.
NAHCON also confirmed that the movement of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj will officially begin on May 9, starting with the inaugural flight from Owerri, Imo State. Governor Hope Uzodinma will serve as host of the inaugural flight ceremony, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
According to Usara, 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States are scheduled to depart from Owerri aboard an Air Peace airline flight.
“Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
“Already, the NAHCON advance team arrived in Owerri earlier on May 7 to monitor preparations for the inaugural flight,” she added.
NAHCON confirmed that the 2025 Hajj registration exercise closed with a total of 40,671 intending pilgrims.
“Four flights are scheduled to take off simultaneously on May 9 for the pilgrimage.
“The flights are expected as follows: Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights, one from Kebbi and the other from Osun through the Lagos departure centre.
“There is a fourth flight from Niger, totalling 2,528 pilgrims to arrive in Madina on the first day.
“Further details will be shared as the activities unfold,” Usara said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless Hajj operation and assured pilgrims and stakeholders of timely updates as preparations for the spiritual journey progress.
