Return of pilgrims: Nigeria beats deadline by 8 days

The return airlift of pilgrims who performed this year’s exercise in Saudi Arabia was concluded yesterday with eight days remaining of the deadline set for the exercise.

The last flight, operated by Max Air with 355 pilgrims and officials, departed the King Abdul Azeez International Airport Jeddah to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano via Kebbi at 18:30 hours.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) concluded the assignment eight days ahead of the official deadline of 17th October 2016 set by Saudi Arabia for the completion of posthajj movement by all the participating countries in this year’s holy pilgrimage.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammed described the feat as a giant stride which had received both national and international commendations from individual, groups and organizations.

A statement by a spokesman of NAHCON, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki quoted the Saudi Arabia Deputy Minister of Hajj, Muhammed Bin Abdulrahman Bijawi, as paying tribute to the NAHCON over the achievement. Bijawi expressed satisfaction over the various arrangements made by the commission throughout the Hajj exercise.

He explained that the good performance of the Nigerian contingent had contributed to the overall success recorded by the ministry while admonishing the management of NAHCON not to rest on its oars.

The return journey of the 66,000 Nigerian pilgrims that performed this year’s holy pilgrimage commenced on 17 September 2016, after the completion of 5-day Hajj rites with the airlift of Kogi, Kwara and Oyo pilgrims by Flynas and Max airlines from the King Abdulaziz Airport (KAIA) Jeddah.