The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will begin the transportation of the 2023 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 21. 2023.

The chairman and chief executive officer of NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan, disclosed this at the opening of application forms and the inauguration of Aviation Monitoring and Airline Screening Committees, held at Hajj House on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ten airlines applied to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj, while three cargo airlines applied to transport the pilgrims’ luggage back to Nigeria.

The NAHCON boss urged the screening committee to work round the clock to submit its report by March 7 for onward submission to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.

He also charged the committee to ensure that all technical issues regarding the airport and aircraft were resolved on time.

Similarly, Mr Hassan advised all intending pilgrims to complete their registration with various state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions or through the Hajj Savings Scheme on time.

According to him, the registration for the 2023 hajj will be closed in due course to meet the deadline fixed by the Saudi Arabian Government.

Earlier, Abdullahi Hardawa, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, expressed commitment to work assiduously towards ensuring a successful 2023 Hajj operation.

Also, Adamu Bulkachuwa, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, urged the screening committee members to justify the confidence reposed on them.

(NAN)