* Hajia Obi assures smooth return process, lauds pilgrims’ discipline
The Commissioner representing the South-East Zone on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajia Aishat Obi, has advised Nigerian pilgrims to strictly adhere to airline luggage regulations as Nigerian pilgrims begin their return journey to Nigeria following the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
She gave the advice during a visit to pilgrims from the zone in Makkah, as part of efforts to monitor their welfare and ensure a smooth and well-coordinated conclusion of the pilgrimage.
Muslim News gathered that the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims commenced, with the first batch already leaving Jeddah in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3. The MaxAir flight NGL267 headed for Abuja at 09:27hrs, conveying 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State back to Nigeria.
During her visit, Hajia Obi specifically sensitised the pilgrims on the approved luggage policy for the return operations, which allows two checked-in bags of 23kg each and one 8kg hand luggage, stressing the need for strict compliance with aviation and Hajj operational guidelines to avoid delays or inconveniences during departure processing.
Hajia Obi explained that adherence to baggage regulations is critical to ensuring smooth logistics and orderly movement of pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria, especially as return flights are now underway.
She interacted with the pilgrims, listening to their experiences and observations regarding the Hajj rites. She expressed satisfaction with their wellbeing and commended their discipline, urging them to remain focused on the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage as the return process begins.
She also conveyed the appreciation and goodwill message of the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, to the pilgrims, noting that the Commission was pleased with their exemplary conduct throughout the Hajj period.
According to her, the NAHCON Chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of discipline, cooperation, and spiritual commitment demonstrated by pilgrims from the South-East Zone, describing their conduct as commendable and worthy of emulation.
The Commissioner further urged the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, in recognition of his consistent support and commitment to the welfare of pilgrims from the state and the region.
As part of her engagement, Hajia Obi also distributed cash gifts to the pilgrims as sadaqah, while requesting them to remember her late father in their prayers, especially within the spiritual atmosphere of the Holy Land.
Speaking on behalf of the pilgrims, several participants expressed appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodinma for his sustained support and concern for their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise. They also commended NAHCON and relevant authorities for ensuring a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
The pilgrims further thanked Hajia Aishat Obi for her visit, generosity, and motherly care, praying for Allah’s blessings upon her and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations.
The visit forms part of ongoing welfare monitoring activities by NAHCON officials in Makkah as Nigerian pilgrims continue their phased return home.
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