The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has closed the registration of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
The commission said registration ended on May 2 to allow full focus on preparing and airlifting the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Hajia Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, said any payments made after the deadline would be refunded.
“Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the commission to concentrate on airlifting pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort,” she explained.
Usara also said the first flight of the 2025 Hajj will depart Nigeria on May 9. The inaugural flight will take off from Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is expected to host the event, while Vice President Kashim Shettima will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
According to NAHCON, 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States will be the first group to travel, using Air Peace airline.
NAHCON’s advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to monitor and prepare for the flight.
Usara added that a total of 40,671 pilgrims have been registered for the 2025 Hajj. She said four flights would depart Nigeria on May 9 alone.
“The flights include Max Air from Bauchi, two Flynas flights — one from Kebbi and another from Osun (through Lagos), and a flight from Niger State,” she said.
“In total, 2,528 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Madina on the first day,” she added.
NAHCON promised to give more updates as the Hajj activities continue.
