National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has commenced the movement of Nigerian pilgrims from Madinah to Makkah as preparations for the 2026 Hajj continue.
According to an update released on Thursday, the pilgrims began departing for Makkah after spending four days in Madinah. The commission said the four official airlines handling the Hajj operation — Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace, and Flynas — have so far transported 9,756 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON also advised pilgrims wishing to visit the Rawdah, the burial chamber of Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, to coordinate with their various state pilgrims’ welfare boards before leaving for Makkah.
The commission explained that officials of the state pilgrims’ welfare boards had already been trained on the procedures for booking visits to the Rawdah for pilgrims under their care.
However, it noted that access to the holy site remains subject to crowd control measures and availability of approved bookings due to congestion in the area.
“Pilgrims are therefore advised to remain patient and orderly, and to heed the guidance of their Ulama regarding the validity and acceptance of their Hajj rites,” the commission stated.
NAHCON further reminded pilgrims that visiting the Rawdah is not a compulsory requirement for the validity of Hajj, although it remains a highly valued spiritual experience for many Muslims.
“Allah grants such opportunities according to His will,” the commission added.
