The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has appealed for calm among intending pilgrims scheduled for the third flight to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, following a temporary delay in their airlift.
The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, made the appeal while addressing the stranded pilgrims at the Hajj Camp in Bassan Jiwa, Abuja, on Monday.
Aliyu attributed the delay to a logistical bottleneck in Madina, where accommodation constraints have stalled the arrival of new pilgrims.
“There’s simply no available space in Madina at the moment. Until the current batch of pilgrims is relocated to Makkah, fresh arrivals cannot be accommodated. This is why outbound flights from Nigeria, including from the FCT, are temporarily suspended,” he explained.
He stressed that the issue is not isolated to the FCT but affects all Nigerian contingents participating in this year’s pilgrimage.
“We are fully prepared at our end—the aircraft is ready and on standby. Once clearance is given, the third batch will depart without delay,” Aliyu assured.
Tension mounted at the Hajj Camp as many pilgrims, some of whom had arrived as early as Sunday, expressed frustration over the delay and the lack of timely communication.
“We’ve been waiting since yesterday with no clear update. It’s frustrating and mentally draining,” one of the pilgrims told Aso Radio.
In response, Aliyu and other senior officials of the board moved through the camp to reassure the pilgrims, provide updates, and encourage patience.
The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to the wellbeing of all pilgrims under its care, adding that it remains in constant liaison with Saudi authorities to resolve the accommodation issue as quickly as possible.
“As soon as we get the go-ahead, the flight will take off. We sincerely ask for your continued understanding and cooperation,” the PRO reiterated.
Meanwhile, families and loved ones of the affected pilgrims remain hopeful that the delay will be short-lived, allowing them to continue their sacred journey without further complications.
