2026 Hajj: Lagos begins pilgrims' airlift on May 7
…raises ad-hoc committee for exercise The Lagos State Government said it will commence airlifting of the state’s contingent to this year’s hajj exercise on Thursday, May 7. Commissioner for Home
...raises ad-hoc committee for exercise
The Lagos State Government said it will commence airlifting of the state’s contingent to this year’s hajj exercise on Thursday, May 7.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, in a statement by Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, stated this while announcing the constitution of an ad-hoc committee for the Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The committee, headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was inaugurated by the commissioner at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
Layode has stated that the airlifting of the 1,600 Lagos intending pilgrims will commence with the first flight of 345 intending pilgrims.
He said, “The exercise would continue with the second flight on Friday, May 8th; third flight on Sunday, May 10th; fourth on Tuesday, May 12th while the last flight is on Wednesday 13th of May. These arrangements were in line with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).”
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He also notified the committee that Flynas airline appointed by NAHCON to airlift the state’s pilgrims had agreed to increase the main luggage from 32kg to 46kg, stressing that each pilgrim would be given two 23kg bags for their main luggage this year while the hand luggage remains 8kg.
Addressing members of the committee, Layode affirmed that their appointment was in recognition of their competence, dedication and the need to ensure successful planning, coordination, and execution of activities relating to the Hajj exercise.
He urged them to discharge their duties with utmost diligence, integrity, and commitment in line with the objectives of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to him, the terms of reference of the committee include, but not limited to providing necessary support in logistics coordination, pilgrims’ welfare, accommodation, medical arrangements and any other assignments that may be directed from time to time.
While congratulating them, he emphasised that the appointment takes immediate effect and shall subsist for the duration of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Dr Jebe thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat and Layode, for giving the committee members the opportunity to serve the state.
He assured that his members would not abuse the trust reposed in them. While promising his committee’s unwavering commitment towards achieving a successful exercise, he appealed for necessary supports from the commissioner in order to make the assignment seamless.
He, thereafter, announced the composition of the sub-committees and their respective chairmen to include, Accommodation - Musliudeen Maiyegun; Welfare - Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade, Manifest, Visa and Media - Waheed Lolade Shonibare, Madinah/Muna and Arafat, Alhaji Shakiru Gafar, Dawah/Enlightenment - Prof. Kabir Paramole, Transport - Alhaji Mojeed Sanni and Luggage and weighing sub-committee - Alhaji Yusuf Ara.
