Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage operations on Friday, launching the first international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State. The historic departure saw 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states board an Air Peace flight bound for Saudi Arabia, marking the airport’s debut in handling international travel. Shettima was joined by Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Usman, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, and other dignitaries at the ceremony.
NAHCON confirmed over 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims registered for this year’s Hajj, with participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) set to join global Muslims in the religious rites. Prof. Usman emphasized the commission’s preparedness for seamless operations, urging stakeholders to prioritize efficiency and collaboration. “NAHCON is committed to fostering partnerships to ensure a successful pilgrimage,” he stated. Alhaji Anofi Elegushi, NAHCON’s Operations Commissioner, reiterated plans to enhance service delivery amid rising demand.
Air Peace will transport 5,128 pilgrims from 17 states, including Abia, Benue, and Rivers. FlyNas, assigned 12,506 pilgrims from the FCT, Kebbi, Lagos, and others, aims to streamline departures, while Max Air targets May 24 to conclude airlifting its 15,203 pilgrims from Bauchi, Kano, and Plateau states.
