The presidency has approved four airlines to serve as official carriers for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj. Air Peace Limited, Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited were chosen following a rigorous screening process, as announced by Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The selection followed a competitive evaluation of 11 companies that applied to provide airlift services for the pilgrimage. According to Usman, an Aviation Screening Committee of 32 members oversaw the process. This committee which was inaugurated on November 26, 2024, comprised representatives from various organizations, including: 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)
NAHCON board members, including representatives from Nigeria’s geo-political zones and key departments such as Aviation, Procurement, Legal, and Special Duties, also contributed to the evaluation.
In addition to passenger airlines, three companies were selected to handle excess cargo for the 2025 Hajj operations. These are: Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargozeal Technology Limited, Qualla Investment Limited
In a significant development, Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on January 12, 2025, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This agreement formalizes Nigeria’s participation in the year’s Hajj and sets the framework for the pilgrimage’s logistics and operations.
Accompanying Usman at the signing ceremony were several notable dignitaries: Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Jafaru Muhammed Ali, Chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage, Ibrahim Modibbo, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Riyadh, Mu’azzam Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, Mahmud Lele, representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Representing Saudi Arabia was Abdulfatah Masahat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Usman congratulated the selected airlines and cargo companies, urging them to meet their obligations as outlined during the screening process. This year’s arrangements emphasized NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring smooth and efficient Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
