The Lagos State Government has announced that it will commence the airlift of its contingent for the 2026 Hajj exercise on May 7, with about 1,600 intending pilgrims scheduled to travel in phases to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal. He also confirmed the inauguration of an ad-hoc committee tasked with coordinating the state’s pilgrimage operations.
The committee, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was formally inaugurated at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Layode, the first batch of 345 pilgrims will depart on May 7, with subsequent flights scheduled for May 8, May 10, May 12, and the final batch on May 13. He noted that the arrangement aligns with the timetable released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
He further revealed that Flynas, the designated carrier for the exercise, has approved an increased baggage allowance for pilgrims. Each pilgrim will now be entitled to two checked bags of 23kg each, bringing the total to 46kg, while hand luggage remains capped at 8kg.
The commissioner stated that members of the ad-hoc committee were selected based on their competence and dedication, charging them to ensure seamless planning and execution of all Hajj-related activities. He emphasized the need for diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility in line with the mandate of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Layode explained that the committee’s responsibilities include logistics coordination, pilgrims’ welfare, accommodation, medical support, and other operational duties throughout the exercise. He added that the appointment takes immediate effect and will last for the duration of the 2026 Hajj operations.
In his response, Jebe expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the commissioner for the confidence reposed in the committee. He assured that members would deliver a successful Hajj exercise and called for continued support from the ministry.
Jebe also announced the composition of sub-committees and their respective chairpersons: Musliudeen Maiyegun (Accommodation), Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade (Welfare), Waheed Lolade Shonibare (Manifest, Visa and Media), Alhaji Shakiru Gafar (Madinah/Muna and Arafat), Prof. Kabir Paramole (Dawah/Enlightenment), Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Transport), and Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Luggage and Weighing).
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