The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has airlifted 17,347 Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON, in an update on the airlift operation, also said that nine states had completed the return of their pilgrims.

The commission listed the states that have completed their return airlift as Nasarawa, Gombe, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Jigawa, Kwara, and Plateau.

It said that Lagos, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had gone above 65 per cent to 80 per cent.

“The return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims has entered its tenth day and is progressing steadily in line with return leg slots allocation secured by each of the official air carriers.

“As of the time of this report, a total of 17, 347 have been transported from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria.

“Some states have successfully concluded the return journey of their pilgrims, while others have reached various stages of completion,” the commission said.

The commission, however, said some states had yet to commence their return flights following NAHCON’s first-in, first-out policy enforced on each airline.

“For instance, pilgrims from the South-South states departed Nigeria on May 19, 2026, while Kano pilgrims commenced their outbound airlift from Nigeria on May 16, 2026 and Kaduna pilgrims on 14th May, 2026.

“States yet to begin the return journey are Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states, as well as the Armed Forces.

“As for Adamawa and Taraba states that began their airlift fairly early, their official carrier is still airlifting its allocated pilgrims proportionate to its secured airlift slots,” NAHCON said.

According to the commission, the return schedule is determined by the airlift slots secured by the designated airlines.

It advised the designated airlines to take measures to complete the airlift within the agreed 19-day window, which was planned to cover the period for pilgrims’ accommodation, feeding, transport, and medical services.

“As backed by contractual agreements, the commission will implement a contingency rescue plan if it becomes obvious that any airline cannot meet up with the schedule,” the commission said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Ismail Yusuf, assured all pilgrims, their families and the general public of the timely return of every Nigerian pilgrim.

Mr Yusuf said that all Nigerian pilgrims would be airlifted back home well before the Saudi deadline for departure, which falls on the 15th of Muharram, the Gregorian date of which is June 30.

“NAHCON appreciates the cooperation of pilgrims and their families, the airlines and all stakeholders, and will continue to provide regular updates on the return airlift operations,” he said.

(NAN)

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule on Saturday installed and presented the staff of office to the new Aren Eggon, Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku.

Mr Sule urged the royal father to discharge his duties with justice, fairness and the fear of God.

“As you are aware, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance and community development. They serve as custodians of our cultural heritage, promoters of peace and unity, as well as mediators in conflict resolution,” he said.

The governor said his administration had integrated traditional institutions into the machinery of governance by involving them in government affairs at various levels.

According to him, the collaboration between government and traditional rulers has contributed significantly to peace, stability and harmonious coexistence among the diverse people of the state.

Mr Sule said the appointment of Mr Ubangari-Alaku to succeed the late Aren Eggon, Dr Bala Abaine-Angbazo, was based on his proven leadership qualities and ability to unite the people.

“I say this considering the antecedents of His Royal Highness, who is a man of proven wisdom and integrity. He embodies the virtues that are essential for leadership.

“His emergence has given hope to the Eggon nation for greater progress and development,” he said.

He also urged the traditional ruler to use his position to promote peace and ensure respect for democratic processes ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North senatorial district bye-election.

Mr Sule said his administration remained committed to the welfare of traditional rulers across the state.

He highlighted some of his administration’s projects in Nasarawa Eggon and Nasarawa North senatorial district, including the Nasarawa Eggon modern market, Alizaga Hill-Wuyo-Wamba Road, and the Nasarawa Eggon-Arugbadu Road, which links communities in Lafia Local Government Area.

The governor added that several urban and rural roads had also been constructed in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba Local Government Areas, among other infrastructure projects.

Earlier, Aminu Maifata, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the emergence of Justice Alaku followed the demise of the late Aren Eggon, Mr Angbazo.

Mr Maifata commended the governor for renovating palaces across the state to provide a conducive environment for traditional rulers.

He called on residents to continue supporting traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity and development.

Also speaking, Aliyu Ibn-Aliyu, chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, said the installation of the new Aren Eggon would strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among the Eggon people and neighbouring communities.

He appreciated the governor for presenting the staff of office to the traditional ruler and assured the royal father of the council’s support and cooperation.

“Let this coronation serve as a rallying point for our people and the state at large through the promotion of unity, peace and cooperation,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, Mr Ubangari-Alaku expressed gratitude to the governor for approving his selection and presenting him with the staff of office.

The former chief judge of Nasarawa State pledged to rule with justice, fairness and the fear of God in the interest of peace and development.

He solicited the support of Eggon stakeholders, sons and daughters of the land, and other residents to help him succeed.

“I call on all sons and daughters of Eggon land to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous and united Eggon nation, a peaceful Nasarawa State and a better Nigeria.

“Let us embrace dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict and service over self-interest,” he said.

Mr Ubangari-Alaku ascended the revered stool of Aren Eggon on May 5, 2023, following the approval of his selection by the governor.

The last presentation of the staff of office to an Aren Eggon was in 1983 when the late Mr Angbazo received the insignia of office from the then Governor of old Plateau State, Solomon Lar.

The late Angbazo died on July 12, 2022.

Dignitaries at the event included Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa State; Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada; Dr Emmanuel Akabe; the deputy governor, Dr Danladi Jatau; speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Retired Justice Muhammad Sidi-Bage; and the Emir of Lafia.

Others are retired Gen. Nuhu Angbazo; Silas Agara, a former director-general of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna; and Shehu Tukur, traditional rulers from Plateau, Niger and Taraba states, as well as other prominent personalities.

(NAN)