NAHCON starts bringing Nigerian pilgrims back home on 3 June, advises on travel rules

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that the return of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia will start on 3 June.

They are asking pilgrims to follow baggage and document rules to make their journey home easy and smooth.

Habib Bello, who heads the Aviation Operations Department at NAHCON, shared this information during a media briefing in Makkah. He talked about the plans for the return phase of the 2026 Hajj operation.

Mr Bello said that airlines decide flight schedules, which Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) approves. GACA is the body that gives operational slots to all airlines involved in this operation.

He mentioned that Max Air will kick off the return flights on 3 June, starting with pilgrims from Nasarawa State. Flynas and Air Peace will begin their operations on 4 June, serving pilgrims from Ogun and Oyo states, respectively.

Mr Bello reminded pilgrims to stick to the allowed baggage limit of two luggage bags weighing 23 kilograms each and one hand luggage bag weighing 8 kilograms.

"Not following the baggage rules could lead to delays, issues with boarding, or even being removed from the flight list," he warned.

He also advised pilgrims to inform the relevant officials at least 48 hours before their flight. This will help with releasing passports, processing luggage, and organizing transportation.

Passport processing is on track

During the same briefing, Abdurrahman Mohammed, who heads the Makkah Passport Committee, said they have finished the first phase of the 2026 Hajj operation and are now processing travel documents for returning pilgrims.

Mr Mohammed explained that pilgrims’ passports are kept safe during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This is to avoid loss, damage, or cases where pilgrims don’t return.

Chairman gets praise from pilgrims

Meanwhile, many pilgrims have praised the Chairman of NAHCON, Ismail Yusuf, for his hands-on approach during the 2026 Hajj.

The chairman took over at a critical time, just before key Hajj activities began, after Abdullahi Usman's voluntary resignation. Many pilgrims and officials think his leadership helped improve the overall coordination for Nigerian pilgrims.

Pilgrims specifically appreciated how he closely monitored food arrangements, accommodation, and welfare services in Makkah and Madinah.

Several pilgrims who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES by phone from Makkah said the chairman was responsive to issues raised.

"He was visible and paid attention to problems pilgrims faced. Whenever complaints came up, the commission worked to investigate and provide solutions," a pilgrim from Kaduna State said.

Another pilgrim from Lagos State described the commission's response to welfare issues as "encouraging," stating that affected pilgrims received timely help.

Observers have also noted the chairman's firm approach toward private tour operators who broke rules. During the Hajj, NAHCON warned operators accused of carrying more pilgrims than approved, stating that sanctions would be taken against any operator who violated regulations.

The 2026 Hajj exercise has had closer checks on service delivery after some pilgrims raised concerns about accommodation, transport, and food.

As the return airlift is set to begin, many stakeholders are hopeful that everything will go smoothly, thanks to the coordination between NAHCON, airlines, and Saudi authorities.