Hope has risen that the 2022 Hajj will hold, following the lifting of ban on direct flights from Nigeria into Saudi Arabia.

For two years, Saudi have not allowed the annual Hajj pilgrimage due to the Covid pandemic.

Saudi authorities on Saturday said from March 5, 2022, it would allow direct flights from Nigeria, previously banned, following the outbreak of Omnicron variant of Covid 19 last year.

Later on Sunday, Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it would release a revised quota of pilgrims to cover every country participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

Spokesperson of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Usara on Sunday said intending pilgrims for Umra Hajj are now permitted to fly directly into Saudi Arabia.

According to her, the only requirement is a full Covid vaccination using Eatmarna or Tawakalana to obtain permits as proof of vaccination, including wearing masks.

NAHCON chairman, Alhaji Sikirullahi Hassan, said that guidelines for participating in the Hajj, would be communicated to Nigerian intending pilgrims after signing of the MOU with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

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