The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced the successful airlift of over 3,700 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The exercise, which commenced on Wednesday, May 21, was flagged off with a ceremonial inaugural flight organized by the state government. A total of 12 flights have so far transported the faithful directly to the holy city of Madinah.
The operation, widely commended for its smooth execution, reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting the religious obligations of its Muslim citizens, especially in facilitating access to one of Islam’s five pillars—Hajj.
According to the Pilgrims Welfare Agency, pilgrims were drawn from various local government areas of the state, including Giwa, Ikara, Kauru, Jaba, Makarfi, Kaduna South, Kaura, Lere, Kudan, Sanga, Kubau, Zangon Kataf, and Zaria. Each contingent was carefully processed, medically screened, and spiritually briefed before boarding.
The Emir of Kauru, Alhaji Yau Shehu Usman, is leading the Kaduna delegation, underscoring the traditional institution’s active involvement in ensuring orderly and culturally rooted participation in the holy rites.
Upon arrival in Madinah, the pilgrims spent four days engaging in key spiritual activities. They visited the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), one of Islam’s holiest sites, and other notable landmarks in the city. These include Jannatul Baqi Cemetery, Quba Mosque, and Mount Uhud, sites that hold immense historical and spiritual significance in Islamic tradition.
Kasim Aminu, a member of the Kaduna delegation in Madinah, confirmed that all pilgrims were in good health and high spirits. “We are grateful to God and the Kaduna State Government. The experience has been spiritually uplifting. Pilgrims are peacefully fulfilling their obligations in an organized and serene atmosphere,” he said.
Following the completion of the Madinah segment, the pilgrims have begun relocating to Makkah. As of Saturday, 910 Kaduna pilgrims had arrived in the city ahead of the commencement of core Hajj rites, which are expected to begin in early June.
Eyewitnesses in Makkah reported emotional scenes as the first batch of pilgrims was warmly received, with many breaking into tears of gratitude and spiritual excitement. “It felt like a red carpet welcome from the heavens,” one pilgrim remarked.
Kaduna’s successful airlift is part of a broader nationwide effort coordinated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which has so far airlifted over 79% of Nigerian pilgrims slated for the 2025 Hajj.
According to NAHCON, the agency has worked closely with state pilgrims welfare boards, aviation authorities, and the Saudi Hajj Ministry to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian pilgrims—from visa issuance and medical screening to transportation and accommodation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This year, Saudi Arabia allocated approximately 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria, with Kaduna being one of the states with the largest contingents due to its sizable Muslim population and historic engagement in pilgrimage activities.
Stakeholders have praised the Kaduna State Government for its proactive planning and welfare-oriented approach. The airlift exercise was executed with strict adherence to aviation schedules, health regulations, and logistical planning.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring that religious obligations such as Hajj are not only facilitated but also carried out with dignity and spiritual fulfillment. In his address during the flag-off, the governor urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, security, and economic recovery in Nigeria.
As the Kaduna pilgrims settle in Makkah, they will begin the central rites of Hajj, including the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat (Wuquf), and symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat). These rites are expected to culminate in the Eid al-Adha celebration, which marks the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage.
Authorities have assured that robust welfare, medical, and security arrangements are in place in Makkah to cater to all Nigerian pilgrims.
The successful airlift of 3,700 Kaduna pilgrims marks a significant milestone in the 2025 Hajj operations and sets a positive tone for the weeks ahead. More than a spiritual journey, the Hajj represents a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and resilience for the Muslim Ummah.
As the pilgrims continue their sacred journey, the hopes and prayers of millions of Nigerians accompany them—towards a safe pilgrimage and a spiritually rewarding experience.