By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. UMZA Flight UMZ3510 departed Minna to Madinah at 20:44hrs with 480 Niger Pilgrims (330 males, 150 females) and 4 officials. Total Airlift to Date: 15,032 pilgrims | 37 flights.

2. Kaduna Update: UMZA Flight UMZ3410 that departed Kaduna to Madinah at 15:18hrs has landed safely.

3. MaxAir Flight VM3015 that departed Ilorin to Madinah with 413 Kwara pilgrims landed safely at 6:37am Nigerian time.

4. NAHCON Airlift Update: Within five days, 35 flights have transported 14,165 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, achieving 34.4% coverage of the expected total. This reflects a sharp rise from the 20.2% (9,788 pilgrims via 23 flights) recorded at this point last year.

5. Four states — Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa have concluded their airlift operations. Ondo and Ekiti are preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken jointly.

6. No cancellations have been recorded so far. One flight from Niger State even arrived ahead of schedule, earning commendation for diligence and coordination.

7. NAHCON attributes the smooth operation to the cooperation of State Pilgrims’ Boards and the strategic engagement of four airlines this year, all performing to expectation.

8. Saudi authorities have now released full flight schedules to all oparticipating airlines, allowing for improved planning and punctuality. All Nigerian flights are currently landing in Madinah.

9. Nigerian Pilgrims who arrived early are now entering Makkah to begin their Umrah rites, especially those observing Hajj Tamattu’i or Qiran.

10. NAHCON Advisory: The Commission warns that no official visa was issued outside the regulated process. The public is urged to report anyone selling or claiming to possess Hajj visas. Only licensed Tour Operators are authorised to register pilgrims.

11. NAHCON invites credible information regarding any individual or official involved in the sale of Hajj slots, promising appropriate action to protect innocent intending pilgrims.

12. Pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446 (2025) must declare any amount exceeding SAR 60,000 or its equivalent in cash, gold, or other valuables. Failure to declare may result in penalties or confiscation.

13. NUSUK Card: NAHCON reminds all pilgrims that their Nusuk ID card is essential. Without it, “your Hajj stops before it starts.” Pilgrims must collect, wear, and protect it at all times.