The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed inbound flights of Nigerian pilgrims, including 298 from Kaduna State, one from Bauchi State, and 16 commission personnel.
The NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement issued on Monday by the commission’s Deputy Director, Information and Publication, Malam Mousa Ubandawaki.
While speaking to the final group of Nigerian pilgrims at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Hassan announced that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims will be completed four days ahead of the commission’s deadline.
The chairman recalled that the final day of operation had been set for August 3, but the inclusion of an additional aircraft by Max Air and Flynas had helped to relieve anxiety and accelerate the tempo of the operation.
According to him, the 183rd shuttle flight effectively ended the 2023 hajj operations.
“Today marks the end of the in-bound flights of Nigerian pilgrims with the final transportation of 298 Kaduna pilgrims, one Bauchi State pilgrim, and 16 officials by Azman Airlines,” Hassan stated.
“The second phase of the operation, which began on July 4th, after the Hajj rites were completed, with the transportation of Sokoto State pilgrims by Flynas, was a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions.”
“This was exacerbated by the Saudi General Authority on Civil Aviation’s (GACA) refusal to provide slots to Nigerian carriers.”
“However, it has been a smooth sailing since the impasse was resolved thanks to the intervention of the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.”
He praised Nigerians for their amazing assistance to the commission during the just finished haji operation.
Hassan thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their contributions to the successful organisation of the 2023 Hajj.
According to the chairman, Shettima’s intervention enabled the commission to move its detained cash to Saudi Arabia and also encouraged the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to grant more slots to Nigerian airlines.
“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Nigerian government, particularly the President and Vice President, for their prompt intervention and support throughout this operation.”
“Their invaluable support contributed significantly to today’s success story,” he stated.
