NAHCON has announced that return flights for Nigerian pilgrims who performed the 2025 Hajj will commence on Sunday, June 9, aligning with the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
The first batch will include pilgrims from Imo, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto. NAHCON urges orderliness and reflection as pilgrims journey home.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced that the return flights for Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj exercise will commence on Sunday, June 9. This date coincides with the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah, a significant period in the Islamic calendar, marking the final phase of the annual pilgrimage.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, made the disclosure in a statement released in Minna, the capital of Niger State. In his message, he extended warm greetings to Muslims across the country and around the world in celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival known for honoring the faith and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
According to Professor Saleh, the first set of Nigerian pilgrims expected to return home will include those from Imo, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states. Arrangements have been finalized for their transportation using designated airlines. Air Peace, Max Air, and Flynas will handle the return flights, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for the pilgrims back to their respective destinations.
NAHCON has urged all pilgrims scheduled for the early flights to make necessary preparations and cooperate fully with Hajj officials to facilitate a seamless return process. The commission also emphasized the importance of maintaining orderliness and following directives at the various departure points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In his message to the pilgrims, Professor Saleh called on them not to forget the deeper spiritual significance of the Hajj rituals they performed. He highlighted key moments in Islamic history that are symbolically reenacted during the pilgrimage particularly the unwavering faith of Hajara, whose desperate search for water led to the miraculous emergence of the Zamzam well, and the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
“These stories teach us valuable lessons about faith, trust in divine will, discipline, and selflessness,” Saleh stated. “They are not just historical events but timeless principles that continue to shape our lives and communities.”
He further encouraged pilgrims to return home not only with souvenirs and personal items but with renewed hearts, guided by the teachings of the pilgrimage. Saleh emphasized that the Hajj is a transformative journey that should inspire better conduct, enhanced community values, and commitment to peace and justice.
The Commission’s Chairman also praised the efforts of the Saudi authorities and Nigerian officials for the coordination and support provided to the pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy land. He expressed hope that the return phase would be as successful and peaceful as the outbound journey.
As the 2025 Hajj winds down, NAHCON reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the welfare and safety of every Nigerian pilgrim until the last batch is back home. Updates on subsequent flights and logistics are expected to be released in the coming days through official channels.
Muslims who participated in the sacred rites are encouraged to carry the lessons of Hajj into their daily lives, promoting unity, tolerance, and spiritual renewal in their families and communities.
