The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reassured intending pilgrims and the general public that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims will be concluded before closure of Saudi Arabian airspace and that no pilgrim will be left behind.
The assurance is coming on the heels of pressures from yet to be airlifted pilgrims that they might miss out on the journey following deadline issued by the Saudi authorities that the kingdom will shut its airspace on August 4th, 2019.
But NAHCON, in a statement issued by its Head Media and Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara said โit is worthy to note that Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Ekiti states, have all concluded airlift of pilgrims to the Holy landโ.
โโฆwhile Edo has 40 pilgrims left, Ogun has 141 left, Yobe with 145 residual, Kano with 292 to go, Gombe with less than a flight, Katsina with 83% completion all have one flights remaining which will have to be merged. FCT will hopefully hold its final flight on 1st of August.
โTherefore, though certain drawbacks were experienced some days back, the obstacles have been addressed and operations will continue unhindered until all intending pilgrims are moved to Saudi Arabia.โ
The Commission hopes to conclude movement of pilgrims by August 5.
