The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has officially announced that the airlift of intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj will commence on May 14, 2025. The development marks a crucial phase in Nigeria’s Hajj operations, as thousands of faithful prepare for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Agency’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, confirmed that 4,060 pilgrims from Kaduna State are scheduled to be transported in batches using UMZA Airline, the state’s designated air carrier for this year’s Hajj.
Malam Abubakar emphasized that all pilgrims would be subjected to mandatory medical screenings at the Hajj Transit Camp located in Mando, Kaduna. He stressed the need for strict adherence to both national and Saudi Arabian health protocols. This includes pregnancy tests for all female pilgrims, in line with international health and safety guidelines.
“We have ensured that our logistics, welfare, and health preparedness are in full gear,” Abubakar said. “Medical teams are already in place to screen and support pilgrims before their departure.”
In addition to medical clearance, the Chairman urged pilgrims to comply strictly with all Saudi Hajj guidelines, including the observance of discipline, group coordination, and respect for cultural and legal norms in the host country. He called on pilgrims to be conscious of their safety, noting that the Agency had arranged adequate accommodations, feeding, and transport facilities to make the spiritual journey seamless and rewarding.
“The Hajj is not just a religious journey; it is also a reflection of our collective responsibility,” he added. “Kaduna State is committed to providing a spiritually enriching and hitch-free experience.”
The announcement comes at a time when Nigeria’s Hajj operations are gaining momentum nationwide. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier disclosed that Nigeria was allocated a total of 95,000 slots by the Saudi authorities for the 2025 pilgrimage season. Kaduna’s contribution forms a significant part of this national quota.
The airlift will be conducted in phases, with pilgrims traveling in groups to ensure smooth boarding, departure, and arrival procedures. Security agencies and immigration officers are expected to provide support throughout the process to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The Kaduna State Government also used the opportunity to call on religious leaders and the general public to support the pilgrims with prayers for a safe journey and successful spiritual exercise.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. The pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, Nigeria has implemented several reforms in its Hajj operations, including digital registration, biometric enrollment, and real-time flight monitoring, to enhance transparency and service delivery.
As preparations peak ahead of the May 14 departure, Kaduna joins other Nigerian states like Kano, Lagos, and Borno, which are also finalizing their arrangements to begin airlifting their pilgrims in line with NAHCON’s directive.