The four airlines were chosen from among the 11 businesses that applied to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage, according to a statement released on Sunday by Prof. Abdullahi Usman, Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Usman claims that the four authorized airlines are UMZA Aviation Services Ltd., Max Air, Fly-Nas, a Saudi Arabia-designated carrier, and Air Peace Ltd.
According to him, a 32-person team that was established by NAHCON on November 26, 2024, screened and shortlisted the airlines.
According to Usman, the Aviation Screening Committee was composed of three members from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), one member from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
He added that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) provided some of the committee’s members.
According to Prof. Usman, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) each had one member.
He also mentioned NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, and Special Duties, as well as Board Members representing the Aviation Industry, and NAHCON Board Members representing each of the nation’s geopolitical zones.
Three extra cargo carriers were chosen for the Hajj activities, the NAHCON chief also revealed.
He listed them as Qualla Investment Ltd., Cargozeal Technology Ltd., and Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd.
He praised the companies that made it through the vetting process and encouraged them to fulfill their obligations.
On behalf of the Nigerian government, Prof. Usman also signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025 Hajj with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Dr. Abdulfatah Masahat, the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the signing ceremony to formalize this year’s Hajj engagements in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.