By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return flight of Nigerian pilgrims from the 2025 Hajj exercise will commence on Friday, June 13, equivalent to the 17th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, disclosed this in Mina, Saidu Arabia, on Friday, June 6, 2025, while extending Eid al-Adha greetings to the Muslim Ummah.

According to him, the first set of return flights will convey pilgrims from Imo State (Air Peace), Bauchi State (Max Air), and Kebbi and Sokoto States (Flynas) back to Nigeria.

He urged pilgrims in the initial batches to get ready and to pray for the smooth continuation of the return leg of the operation.

“We appreciate the exemplary conduct of Nigerian pilgrims during this sacred journey. Your discipline and cooperation have contributed greatly to a successful Hajj,” he noted.

Prof. Saleh also used the occasion to express heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for their steadfast support, which he described as “instrumental” to the seamless Hajj operations this year.

“We also commend the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards for their professionalism, as well as our NAHCON staff and ad-hoc personnel, many of whom worked diligently even while in the state of ihram,” he added.

He highlighted the smooth experiences recorded at the major Hajj sites Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah and assured the public of NAHCON’s readiness to deliver even better services in future pilgrimages.

“As we prepare for the return journey, we pray for safe travels for all pilgrims and continued unity among Muslims,” the chairman added.