The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially closed registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, halting further applications on May 2 to prioritize logistical preparations for the airlift of pilgrims. Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, confirmed the deadline in a statement Wednesday, noting that any payments received after the cutoff date would be refunded. The commission emphasized the need to consolidate resources ahead of the pilgrimage’s commencement on May 9, when the inaugural flight is set to depart from Owerri, Imo State.
Governor Hope Uzodinma will host the flag-off ceremony, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima attending as Special Guest of Honor. A total of 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states are scheduled to board an Air Peace flight during the event. NAHCON’s advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee final arrangements, ensuring smooth operations for the initial phase of departures.
Four simultaneous flights are planned for May 9, including Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights from Kebbi and Osun (via Lagos), and another from Niger State, collectively transporting 2,528 pilgrims to Madina. The commission reported a record 40,671 registrations for the 2025 Hajj, marking one of the largest contingents in recent years. Further updates on flight schedules and logistical details will be released as the pilgrimage progresses, with NAHCON reaffirming its focus on passenger comfort and operational efficiency throughout the exercise.
