The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved four airlines to carry pilgrims for the 2025 hajj to Saudi Arabia. These airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd. The selection was made from 11 applicants by a 32-member screening committee comprising officials from various Nigerian aviation and government agencies. Additionally, three companies—Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Qualla Investment Ltd.—were chosen to handle excess cargo. The government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj arrangement.
Abdullahi Usman, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), listed the airlines in a statement signed by Fatima Usara, the commission’s spokesperson, on Sunday in Abuja.
Usman said the committee was made up of representatives from the state pilgrims’ welfare boards, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). He added that personnel from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) were also included. Representatives from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and NAHCON board members from each geopolitical zone were also part of the team. He noted that NAHCON’s heads of aviation, procurement, legal, internal audit, and special duties, as well as a board member representing the aviation industry, also participated in the process.
