Nigeria, April 22 -- The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board have fixed 9 May as the commencement date for the airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Usara disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Usara said the date was agreed upon during a meeting between the Commission and the welfare board executive secretaries under the Forum of States.

NAHCON chairperson Abdullahi Usman, a professor, chaired the meeting.

During the meeting, Mr Usman "reminded the house that the Hajj industry is in the last lap of preparation before commencement of 2025 Hajj season" and also "called on the states to update NAHCON on the level each state ...