The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Monday hinted at plans to commence the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 6.

The hint was dropped by NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, in his remarks at the signing of airlift agreements with the four selected airliners for this year’s Hajj operation, FlyNas; Air Peace; Max Air and UMZA Air Limited at the Hajj House in Abuja.

Elegushi informed that in accordance with the guidelines for this year’s Hajj, Saudi Arabia would open its airspace for arriving pilgrims into the Kingdom by April 29, adding that the inaugural flight from Nigeria was being considered for May 6.

“According to information from the Saudi authority, we are looking forward to April 29, which would be the day Saudi will open their airspace for Hajj.

“But as far as Nigeria is concerned, we are still looking at May 6 to be our inaugural flight, in shaa Allah, in order for us to meet up with the normal time frame for the Hajj,” the commissioner said.

He informed that the commission was working with the airlines to airlift 75,000 pilgrims from the states and commended the state pilgrims welfare boards across the country for the unrelenting efforts in mobilising intending pilgrims to register for this year’s Hajj exercise.

According to him, “Serious mobilisation is going on all over our states, as I’m speaking to you. So they are having their registration almost on a daily basis.

“I would hope that by the time Saudi would close up with the arrangements, we would be able to get to a very reasonable figure, in shaa Allah.”

Elegushi revealed that NAHCON was trying to do away with the dollar component as such, the airlines would be paid in their local currencies, which he said would be made in line with current exchange rate per dollar.

“So we are trying to do away from, majorly from this dollar component. What we want to do is to pay in the local currency of all the airlines.

“And the payment will be made according to the current rate per dollar during the installment payment period.

“So as the chairman promised earlier, that payment will be made promptly. The era of you waiting endlessly for you to get your payment is over.

“Even as promised by the chairman, that the percentage of payment that will be made will even be enough for them to finish the operation.

“Just after the operation, a little reconciliation, and then the balance will be paid immediately. Because we too are much more concerned about, you know, sudden increments in the dollar rates. So that’s why we’ll make all the payment very snappy within the period,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hajj commission has insisted that the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remains paramount to it, asserting that airlift of pilgrims is one of the most significant aspect of the Hajj operation.

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, said this in his welcome address at the agreement signing, adding that the event marked yet another critical step in the commission fulfilling its sacred duty to the country.

“As we gather here today, we mark yet another critical step in fulfilling our sacred duty to our nation. The airlift of pilgrims is one of the most significant aspect of the Hajj operation.

“It requires absolute professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. This process is not just about transportation; it is about fulfilling a spiritual obligation with dignity, safety, and comfort,” the NAHCON boss said.

He said that the airlines engaged to airlift Nigerian pilgrims this year’s had undergone a thorough selection process based on merit, reliability and proven capacity.

According to him, NAHCON was careful in ensuring that only the most competent, well-equipped, and passenger-friendly airlines were entrusted with the task of airlifting Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back home.

He added that, “Your experience and track record in handling large-scale operations, especially Hajj-related services, has given us confidence in your ability to deliver a smooth Hajj airlift.”

Usman insisted that, “Let me remind you that our pilgrims’ comfort, safety, and convenience remain paramount. From pre-boarding services to in-flight experience and post-arrival logistics, we expect nothing short of excellence.”