Nigerian Pilgrims Depart Madinah for Makkah for Hajj 2026

Nigerian pilgrims began their movement from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday as part of the Hajj 2026 pilgrimage. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reported that the pilgrims had spent four days in Madinah before their departure.

The operation involved four official airlines: Max Air, Umza Airlines, and Air Peace, facilitating the transport of 9,756 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims were encouraged to visit the Rawdah, the burial chamber of Prophet Muhammad, during their stay in Madinah.

NAHCON assured that the Nigerian contingent would be well-coordinated, with state pilgrim welfare boards providing guidance on procedures for booking visits to Rawdah. However, due to crowd congestion, access to Rawdah is strictly subject to space availability, and pilgrims were advised to remain patient and orderly while adhering to the guidance of ulama regarding valid Hajj rites.