The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the first set of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2022 hajj will be airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 9.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, made this known at the signing of 2022 hajj airlift agreement by appointed hajj air carriers on Friday in Abuja
He noted that the announcement of the date is to ensure adequate preparation ahead of the for the Nigerians during the period.
He said three airlines selected for the exercise include: Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas Air.
The chairman also stated that the commission’s advance team will leave the country for Saudi Arabia on June 6.
He said Max Air will airlift pilgrims from 13 states namely, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Taraba while Azman Air is entrusted with conveyance of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces.
“These states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe,” he said.
He said FlyNas will fly pilgrims from Edo, FCT, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara.
Hassan urged the airlines to treat all pilgrims with ‘VIP’ treatment which they deserve