NAHCON: First Batch of Nigerian Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Arrive Sokoto

Hammed Shittu in Makkah

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday, commenced the homeward journey of the first flight of 426 Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria.

The pilgrims, who were mainly Sokoto State pilgrims, departed the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, around 2 o’ clock of Saudi Arabia time.

The Saudi Arabia Government had earlier over the weekend declared the 2023 haji operations closed and also unveiled roadmap for the commencement of 2024 Hajj operations.

The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, stated  this  at the headquarters of the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry in Makkah during a ceremony to mark the end of 2023 Hajj operations.

He said that the haji operations would begin immediately with the issuance of letters to each country.

However, speaking with journalists yesterday at  King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, the NAHCON Head of Aviation Unit, Mr. Goni Sanda, said: “The first batch and first flight carrying about 426 Sokoto State pilgrims is expected to land at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto anytime from six o’clock in the evening Nigerian time.

“The first two weeks is expected to witness some snail speed in the airlift, due to the Saudi’s policy of managing traffic.

“And also due to the large number of aircrafts taking off at the Jeddah Airport with pilgrims to different parts of the world after successfully performing the Hajj exercise.”

Sanda, however, said that all the five air carriers involved in airlifting Nigerian pilgrims would operate maximally after two weeks of below capacity start.