The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved four airlines to transport intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made on Sunday, January 12, 2025, by the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Mrs. Fatima Usara, the selected airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi-designated airline), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd. These airlines were chosen from a pool of 11 applicants after a thorough screening process.
Rigorous Selection Process
The screening and shortlisting of the airlines were conducted by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee inaugurated by NAHCON on November 26, 2024. The committee included representatives from:
- State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
- Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)
- Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)
- Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)
- Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)
The team also included NAHCON board members, aviation professionals, and legal and procurement specialists to ensure a fair and efficient selection process.
Cargo Operations
In addition to the approved passenger airlines, NAHCON selected three excess cargo carriers for Hajj operations:
- Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd.
- Cargozeal Technology Ltd.
- Qualla Investment Ltd.
The commission emphasized that the airlines and cargo carriers must adhere strictly to their contractual obligations to ensure a seamless Hajj experience for pilgrims.
Hajj MoU Signed
Prof. Usman also revealed that he signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government.
The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the signing ceremony, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This agreement formalizes Nigeria’s participation in this year’s Hajj activities and outlines logistical arrangements.
The NAHCON Chairman congratulated the successful airlines and urged them to prioritize safety, efficiency, and excellent service delivery. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring pilgrims have a positive and spiritual experience during the pilgrimage.
