MAHMOUD FLAGS OFF INAUGURAL FLIGHT FOR FCT PILGRIMS
By: Austine Elemue
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has flagged off the inaugural flight of 2026 FCT Pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At the farewell ceremony for the first batch of 315 pilgrims held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Mahmoud urged intending pilgrims from the FCT to uphold the values of discipline, obedience, and patriotism.
She described the commencement of the airlift operation as a historic moment and a reflection of the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful Hajj exercise for all pilgrims from the Territory.
She prayed for divine guidance, protection, and spiritual fulfillment for the pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support of the FCT Administration and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
She also commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his steadfast support and leadership, which, according to her, has continued to place the FCT at the forefront of Hajj administration in Nigeria.
She emphasized the spiritual significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, urging the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and the FCT while in Saudi Arabia.
“You should see yourselves as Allah’s guests. Remain steadfast in obedience to Allah, abide by the rules and regulations of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and continue to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our nation,” she stated.
The Minister congratulated the intending pilgrims for successfully completing the various screening and orientation exercises organized by the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noting that their patience and determination reflected their readiness for the sacred journey.
She further advised the pilgrims to safeguard their travel documents, especially their e-passports and Nusuk cards, stressing that the Saudi authorities had made it clear that “No Nusuk, No Hajj.”
She warned that losing the card could lead to serious inconveniences, including denial of access to Hajj activities.
Mahmoud commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi-based service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiyya, for facilitating the delivery of Nusuk cards to Nigeria ahead of the pilgrimage, describing the initiative as a commendable step toward improving Hajj operations in the country.
The Minister equally charged officials accompanying the pilgrims, including staff and ad hoc personnel of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, to discharge their responsibilities diligently and prioritize the welfare of the pilgrims at all times.
Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Mallam Kadiri Edah, Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, among other dignitaries graced the occasion.
