The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will commence on June 5, 2026.

The commission’s Director of Training and Research, Professor Abubakar Abubakar, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Dr Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, in Makkah.

Professor Abubakar said all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return of Nigerian pilgrims after the completion of the 2026 Hajj rites.

According to him, NAHCON, in collaboration with state pilgrims welfare boards, airline operators and Saudi authorities, has put in place adequate measures to guarantee the orderly transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria.

He explained that the return schedule was carefully designed to minimise delays and congestion at airports while ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims throughout the exercise.

The NAHCON official commended the cooperation received from state officials and other stakeholders involved in the Hajj operation, describing this year’s exercise as one of the most organised in recent times.

He urged pilgrims to strictly comply with guidelines on luggage, travel documents and departure schedules to facilitate seamless movement during the return airlift operations.

Professor Abubakar also advised pilgrims to remain disciplined and patient, noting that the success of the return exercise would depend largely on the cooperation of both pilgrims and officials.

Responding, the Kano State Amirul Hajj, Dr Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land.

He commended the commission for the improvements recorded during the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly in the areas of coordination, accommodation and transportation.

The Amirul Hajj assured that pilgrims from Kano State would continue to comply with established regulations and cooperate fully with officials to ensure a successful return journey.

He further urged pilgrims to use the remaining period of their stay in the Holy Land to intensify prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, officials of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board have continued sensitising pilgrims on departure procedures and other essential travel guidelines ahead of the commencement of the return flights.

Many pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place and prayed for safe journeys and successful reunions with their families upon their return to Nigeria. (Daily Trust)