The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved four airlines to transport pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, disclosed this in a statement.
The statement was issued by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs. Fatima Usara.
The approved carriers are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi Arabian airline), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.
“These airlines were selected after a thorough screening process that involved 11 applicants.
“A 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, formed by NAHCON on November 26, 2024, led the selection process.
“The committee included representatives from various aviation and government agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), as well as State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards,” the statement said.
In addition, Prof. Usman revealed that new representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have joined the Hajj operations team.
The team also comprises NAHCON’s Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties, and Board Members representing the aviation industry and each geo-political zone.
Prof. Usman also announced the selection of three cargo carriers for the 2025 Hajj operations: Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd. and Qualla Investment Ltd.
He congratulated the selected companies and emphasized the importance of fulfilling their commitments during the screening process.
In a significant step for the 2025 Hajj operations, Prof. Usman signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, formalizing the Nigerian government’s preparations for the pilgrimage. (vitalnewsngr.com)
