In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to three airlines to serve as exclusive carriers for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. This move aims to streamline and enhance the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
The appointed airlines, namely Air Peace Ltd., FlyNas, and Max Air, have received official approval from the government to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims. This decision underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage journey for its citizens.
Moreover, in a bid to address logistical requirements, the Federal Government has also sanctioned three air cargo companies – Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd., Nahco Aviance, and Qualla Investment Ltd. These air cargo companies are tasked with airfreighting pilgrims’ excess luggage, further optimizing the pilgrimage process.
To ensure equitable distribution and efficient management of pilgrims, the Federal Government has allocated specific states to each of the approved airlines. This allocation is in accordance with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, governing the transportation of pilgrims under the government quota.
The allocation breakdown is as follows:
– Air Peace: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kwara, Ondo, Rivers states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
– FlyNas: Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Zamfara states.
– Max Air: Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Oyo, Taraba, Kaduna, Armed Forces, Gombe, Jigawa, and Plateau states.
This strategic allocation aims to optimize the operational efficiency of the airlines and ensure a well-organized pilgrimage.
Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, is poised to lead a delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2024 hajj on January 7. This step highlights the commitment to robust diplomatic engagement and partnership in facilitating the pilgrimage.
In conclusion, NAHCON remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the highest standards in pilgrimage organization, prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of pilgrims. The approved airlines are encouraged to gear up and prepare to facilitate a smooth and memorable pilgrimage in the upcoming 2024 season, as articulated by Ms. Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON.
This momentous milestone underscores the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience and ensuring the well-being of its citizens during this sacred journey.
