The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB) ahead of the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The commitments were made during separate engagements between the agencies and the management of the Pilgrims Board in Abeokuta, where stakeholders stressed the need for early planning, effective coordination and adequate sensitisation of intending pilgrims.
Receiving a delegation from the OGMPWB, led by its Executive Secretary, Taiwo Ajibola, at the NIS headquarters in Oke-Mosan, the Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, Ganiyu Oladele, assured the Board of the command’s continued support.
Oladele said the command would prioritise timely passport processing for intending pilgrims in line with the requirements and timelines for the 2027 Hajj.
He emphasised that early preparation and stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders would help prevent avoidable challenges during the pilgrimage.
The Immigration Comptroller also commended the OGMPWB for its efforts in coordinating pilgrims and pledged improved communication, early planning and enhanced services.
In his response, Ajibola described the NIS as a critical partner in Hajj administration, appreciating the command for its support over the years.
He called for a more sustainable partnership focused on improving information sharing, simplifying passport documentation and enhancing services for prospective pilgrims.
Ajibola also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sensitising intending pilgrims on the importance of obtaining valid travel documents well ahead of the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Command of the NDLEA has also pledged to deepen its partnership with the Pilgrims Board by providing education and guidance to intending pilgrims on the dangers and legal consequences of illicit drug trafficking.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Tijani Rabe, gave the assurance while receiving the Board’s delegation in Abeokuta.
Rabe said the collaboration was essential to ensuring that pilgrims understood drug-related offences under both Nigerian and Saudi Arabian laws.
He warned intending pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could expose them to legal consequences or damage Nigeria’s reputation during international engagements.
The NDLEA commander assured the Board that the agency would continue to deploy qualified personnel to educate pilgrims on drug-related offences and the need to comply with relevant regulations.
Ajibola, in his response, commended the NDLEA for its continued support and commitment to pilgrims’ education, noting that preparations for the 2027 Hajj had already commenced.
He urged the agency to remain actively involved in the planning process to ensure that intending pilgrims receive adequate guidance before departure.
“As a major stakeholder in Hajj operations, it is important that NDLEA is fully integrated into our preparations and continues to engage our pilgrims on drug-related issues,” Ajibola said.
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