Lagos — The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said 100,000 pilgrims would be transported to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the 2012 Hajj. Dr. Harold Demuren, Director General, NCAA, made the disclosure in Lagos at an interactive session with journalists.

Demuren had earlier in the day held a closed door meeting with airline operators, security agencies and fuel marketers towards ensuring a hitch-free hajj operation.

He said the transportation of intending pilgrims would commence on Sept.17 in 12 airports located in Abuja, Katsina, Gombe, Yola, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Lagos, Kaduna, Jos, Sokoto and Kano.

He said the exercise is expected to be completed within one month. He said the designated carriers, Max Air, Meridien Air, Kabo, Mediview and Trade Kraft have all indicated their readiness to ensure a hitch free exercise. Demuren said Max Air would be using four aircrafts, Meridien Air, one, Kabo, three, while Medivew has deployed two aircrafts for the exercise.

"We just held a pre-Hajj meeting with all stakeholders. The various security agents and fuel marketers were here and we discussed. On our part, I can say we are ready for the exercise.

There is no cause for alarm.

The airlines raised question on fuel availability, and that has been settled. Let me remind you that Nigeria has been doing well in the past and this year's own will not be an exception," he said.