By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced the closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, effective May 2, 2025.

This decision follows an extended registration period enabled by NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who secured an extension beyond the initial deadline of March 25, 2025.

According to a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication for the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON Wednesday May 7, 2025, the extension aimed to accommodate more intending pilgrims. However, further registrations were halted to allow the Commission to focus on critical preparations for the airlift of registered pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety.

NAHCON clarified that any Hajj fare deposits made after May 2, 2025, will be fully refunded to the payers.

Meanwhile, preparations for the airlift of pilgrims are in top gear, with the inaugural flight scheduled to depart from Owerri, Imo State, on May 9, 2025. The first batch of 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states will be flown by Air Peace, with His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, acting as host. Senator Kashim Shettima is expected to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honor.

NAHCON's advance team has already arrived in Owerri to oversee arrangements for the smooth commencement of the pilgrimage.

On the same day, four flights will depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia, conveying a total of 2,528 pilgrims. The scheduled flights include:

* Max Air from Bauchi

* FlyNas from Kebbi

* FlyNas from Osun via the Lagos departure center

* A fourth flight from Niger State

In total, 40,671 pilgrims will participate in the 2025 Hajj through the government’s quota, NAHCON confirmed.