The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return journey of Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage will officially commence on Monday, June 9, 2025, marking the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
The announcement was made by Prof. Abdullahi Mukhtar Saleh, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, in a heartfelt statement delivered from Minna on Friday. The declaration came alongside a congratulatory Eid al-Adha message to the global Muslim community, particularly the over 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims who undertook this sacred journey.
> “All praise is due to Allah for granting us the honour of witnessing another Eid al-Adha — the Festival of Sacrifice,” Prof. Saleh said. “On behalf of NAHCON, I extend warm congratulations to the Muslim Ummah, especially the blessed pilgrims who stood on the plains of Arafat. May Allah accept your prayers, sacrifices, and efforts.”
According to Prof. Saleh, the first batch of return flights will carry pilgrims from Imo State via Air Peace, Bauchi State via Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto States via Flynas. He urged the pilgrims to begin preparing for their journey back home, emphasizing the need for continued discipline and prayers for a seamless return process.
> “Let us pray for a successful and hitch-free return operation for all our pilgrims. Their safe return remains a priority for NAHCON,” he added.
Delving deeper into the spiritual significance of the Hajj, Prof. Saleh called on the faithful to draw lessons from the historic acts of devotion and sacrifice displayed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Sayyidatuna Hajara (RA).
> “The trust of Hajara in Allah led to the miraculous spring of Zamzam. The obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, who left his family in a barren land, was rewarded with the emergence of Makkah — a city of provision, safety, and divine blessings,” he explained.
> “Hajj is a timeless reminder that trust in Allah, obedience to leadership, and personal discipline are the cornerstones of thriving communities and nations.”
Prof. Saleh also used the occasion to celebrate the remarkable discipline, patience, and cooperation demonstrated by Nigerian pilgrims throughout the spiritual journey.
> “Our pilgrims exhibited exemplary conduct. Their resilience and orderly behavior greatly facilitated our operations. I also extend profound gratitude to the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards for their tremendous coordination and support,” he said.
He reserved special praise for NAHCON’s field staff — many of whom rendered selfless service while in the sacred state of ihram — as well as the board members and ad-hoc staff for their tireless efforts in ensuring a smooth and spiritually uplifting experience for the pilgrims.
> “Your sacrifices are seen by Allah, and your rewards are assured. Your dedication has written a golden chapter in Nigeria’s Hajj history.”
Prof. Saleh acknowledged the critical support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, crediting their leadership for the successful execution of the 2025 Hajj operations.
> “Their unwavering commitment and backing enabled NAHCON to deliver top-tier services, especially in the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah — collectively known as the Mashair,” he noted.
As the curtain gradually falls on the 2025 Hajj exercise, NAHCON reaffirmed its pledge to elevate service delivery in future operations, promising continued improvements and collaboration with stakeholders to enhance the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
> “With unity, faith, and sustained cooperation, we will continue to raise the standards. NAHCON remains steadfast in its duty to serve the guests of Allah with excellence and integrity,” Prof. Saleh concluded.
PIONEER NEWS 