Hajj 2026: NAHCON Advances Return Airlift As Nine States Finish Operations
Nine States Conclude Hajj Return Airlift as NAHCON Moves Closer to Completion Target
Over 17,000 Pilgrims Returned to Nigeria
THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced significant progress in the ongoing return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, revealing that more than 17,000 pilgrims have already been transported back home.
According to the commission, the return exercise entered its tenth day on Saturday, with a total of 17,347 pilgrims successfully airlifted in accordance with flight allocations granted to participating airlines.
The operation forms part of efforts to return approximately 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Nine States Complete Return Journey
NAHCON disclosed that nine states have successfully concluded their return operations.
The states include Nasarawa, Gombe, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Jigawa, Kwara and Plateau.
The commission also reported substantial progress in several other locations, noting that Lagos, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory have achieved between 65 and 80 per cent completion of their return flights.
Officials described the exercise as progressing according to schedule, with coordination efforts focused on ensuring orderly departures from Saudi Arabia.
Why Some States Are Yet to Begin Return Flights
The commission explained that several states have not yet commenced return operations due to its established first-in-first-out policy.
Under the arrangement, pilgrims are returned according to the sequence in which they originally arrived in Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON noted that states such as Kano and Kaduna departed Nigeria earlier than several southern states and therefore occupy different positions within the return schedule.
States awaiting the commencement of return flights include Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, as well as contingents from the Armed Forces.
The commission clarified that airline slot allocations also influence the pace of operations.
Airlines Directed to Meet Contractual Timelines
NAHCON has directed all participating carriers to complete the return operation within the agreed 19-day period.
According to the commission, the timetable was carefully designed to accommodate accommodation, feeding, transportation and healthcare services for pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Officials warned that contingency plans would be activated if any airline fails to fulfil its contractual obligations or maintain the agreed schedule.
Chairman Assures Pilgrims of Timely Return
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, reassured pilgrims and their families that all Nigerians participating in the 2026 Hajj would return home before the Saudi authorities’ final departure deadline of 30 June.
He maintained that the commission remained committed to ensuring a safe, orderly and timely conclusion to the operation.
Pilgrims Praise Improved Organisation
Several returning pilgrims commended the commission for improvements recorded during this year’s exercise.
Pilgrims from Nasarawa, Kwara and Oyo states cited better communication, welfare services and coordination throughout the pilgrimage and return process.
Many expressed optimism that the gains recorded during the 2026 Hajj would be sustained in future operations.
With more than 17,000 pilgrims already back in Nigeria and additional flights scheduled daily, NAHCON says it remains on course to complete the exercise within the approved timeframe.
