By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with no further applications being accepted after May 2, 2025.
The decision was made to allow the commission to focus on the smooth airlift and welfare of pilgrims.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, secured an extension for registration beyond the initial March 25 deadline, but the process has now officially ended.
Any payments made after May 2 will be refunded.
The first batch of pilgrims is set to depart Nigeria on May 9, with the inaugural flight taking off from Owerri, Imo State.
Air Peace will transport 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states. Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will host the event, with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima attending as Special Guest of Honor.
NAHCON’s advance team arrived in Owerri on May 7 to oversee final preparations. A total of 40,671 pilgrims registered under the government quota for this year’s Hajj.
On the first day of airlift, four flights will depart simultaneously: Max Air from Bauchi, two FlyNas flights from Kebbi and Osun (via Lagos), and another from Niger State.
These flights will carry 2,528 pilgrims to Madina.
Further updates will be provided as the pilgrimage progresses.