A contingent of 420 pilgrims from Kebbi State departed Birnin Kebbi International Airport for Saudi Arabia to participate in the 2025 Hajj, marking the start of Nigeria’s pilgrimage season.
The group, part of Nigeria’s 65,000 allocated slots, was flagged off by Governor Nasir Idris, who urged pilgrims to pray for national unity amid 32% inflation and security challenges. The pilgrims, comprising 60% men and 40% women, underwent three months of Islamic training to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations, which 95% of Nigerian pilgrims met in 2024.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) coordinated the airlift, with Max Air and FlyNas operating 15 flights from Kebbi, each carrying 400-450 passengers. The $6,000 per-pilgrim cost, 40% subsidized for first-timers, includes accommodation in Mecca and Medina, where Nigeria operates 10 clinics serving 15,000 patients annually. Kebbi’s 2,500 pilgrims, up 10% from 2024, reflect growing demand, with 20% from rural areas. The state government allocated ₦1 billion for logistics, covering 500 female pilgrims’ transport to the airport, a 30% increase from 2023.
The 2025 Hajj, starting June 14, expects 2 million global participants, with Nigeria’s contingent facing challenges like 50°C heat, prompting 500 medics to prepare for 10% heatstroke cases. NAHCON’s digital tracking system, adopted by 90% of pilgrims, has reduced lost persons by 80% since 2023. Kebbi pilgrims, housed in 15 hotels near the Kaaba, will spend 40 days performing rites, with 70% expressing satisfaction in prior surveys. The departure underscores Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Hajj economy, though forex shortages strained 15% of travel plans, highlighting logistical complexities.