The Federal Government has approved four airlines to serve as official carriers for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Abdullahi Usman, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), announced the selected carriers in a statement issued by Fatima Usara, the commission’s spokesperson, on Sunday in Abuja.
The approved airlines include Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas (a Saudi-designated airline), Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd. These four were selected from a pool of 11 companies that applied to participate in the operations.
Usman explained that the selection process was conducted by a 32-member aviation screening committee inaugurated on November 26, 2024. The committee consisted of representatives from the state pilgrims’ welfare boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Other agencies involved in the process included the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). Anti-corruption bodies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) were also part of the team.
NAHCON officials, including heads of aviation, procurement, legal, internal audit, and special duties, as well as a board member representing the aviation industry, participated in the screening.
In addition to the passenger carriers, Usman announced the approval of three companies to handle excess cargo for the Hajj operations. The companies are Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Qualla Investment Ltd.
The chairman also confirmed that Nigeria has signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The MoU was signed by Abdullahi Usman on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Abdulfatah Masahat, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, represented the Kingdom.
Usman congratulated the approved airlines and cargo carriers, urging them to adhere to their contractual obligations to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.
