The return journey for pilgrims from Ogun and Kebbi States in Saudi Arabia is set to commence on June 4, 2026, with Flynas, a Saudi-designated Nigerian Hajj carrier, handling the operation. The airline announced the schedule in a statement signed by Mr. Mahmood Muhammad Abande of its Media Office on June 2, 2026.
To facilitate the airlift, Flynas will deploy six A330 wide-body Boeing aircraft. The first return flight will transport the initial group of Ogun State pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to the newly constructed Gateway International Airport in Abeokuta, Ogun State. On the same day, the second flight will carry the first batch of Kebbi State pilgrims from Jeddah to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The following day, June 5, Flynas will operate two additional flights from Jeddah to Abeokuta and Birnin Kebbi, respectively.
Alhaji Umar Kaila, Managing Director and CEO of First Planet Travels Limited, the General Sales Agent for Flynas in Nigeria, confirmed that the airline has finalized all arrangements to ensure a seamless operation aligned with international standards. During the outbound phase, Flynas transported 11,342 pilgrims and officials to the holy land in 30 flights over a record two-week period. Additionally, the airline has already delivered 13,832 units of five-liter Zamzam water bottles to Nigeria ahead of the pilgrims’ return.
Kaila noted that the airline will also airlift pilgrims from Kebbi, Lagos, Osun, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and Nasarawa States.
In preparation, Flynas Coordinator of Operations, Malam Ahmad Ruma, met with ground staff in Makkah last Monday to review operational procedures, guidelines, and logistics for the inbound operation. Ruma urged the team to uphold the airline’s professionalism and ethics as they are deployed to airports and pilgrims’ accommodations in Makkah to manage luggage.
In a separate development, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (RMB Nigeria) acted as Lead Issuing House and Bookrunner for a successful N15 billion five-year fixed-rate senior unsecured bond issued by Paras Energy Funding SPV Plc under its N25 billion bond issuance programme. The bond, carrying an 18% coupon per annum, marks the SPV’s inaugural issuance and a landmark transaction for Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited (Paras Energy), a privately held energy company operating across the full power value chain—including generation, solar engineering, transmission, and maintenance. Paras Energy is a member of the African Industries Group, a diversified industrial conglomerate with over five decades of operations in Nigeria.
This transaction is the first time a privately held power sector company has issued an unwrapped bond for its debut. Proceeds will strategically expand Paras Energy’s generating capacity and accelerate its growth as an independent power plant operator, while deepening its client portfolio across West Africa.
Commenting on the bond, Group Chief Financial Officer of African Industries Group, Mr. Munish Modi, said: “This successful issuance marks a defining moment for Paras Energy and the African Industries Group. As a pioneer private power supplier to the national grid, we are proud to demonstrate our commitment to Nigeria’s energy security through innovative financing. The strong investor support affirms our strategy and mission to unlock productivity across the West African economy.”
Laju Atake, Head of Debt Capital Markets Nigeria at RMB Nigeria, added: “We are delighted to have advised Paras Energy on its debut bond, providing end-to-end guidance across structuring, regulatory engagements, and distribution. This transaction shows that private sector participants in the power value chain can access long-term funding without reliance on guarantees. RMB Nigeria remains committed to deepening Nigeria’s debt capital markets.”
Chidi Iwuchukwu, Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking Broader Africa at RMB Nigeria, noted: “As Lead Issuing House, we are proud to partner Paras Energy on this landmark transaction. The company’s ability to achieve full subscription on its first issuance highlights the depth of domestic liquidity and the importance of structuring and credit quality in attracting institutional capital. We expect this to pave the way for increased private sector participation in the power sector.”
