*Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for additional Hajj slots to accommodate the growing number of intending pilgrims for the 2027 Holy Pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal on Friday while receiving a pre-2027 Hajj assessment team from NAHCON led by the Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.
Hon. Layode described the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 exercise as grossly inadequate, stressing that the State would need a minimum of 2,500 slots to meet demand.
“Lagos has consistently performed well in Hajj operations. Before my predecessor, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, left office, he airlifted 3,661 pilgrims in the 2023 operations alone. Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the tempo. We airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026, and we are already projecting not less than 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027. I, therefore, appeal to NAHCON to reconsider Lagos and allocate additional slots to us,” he said.
Speaking on the 2026 Hajj experience, the Commissioner expressed disappointment over the services rendered by the service provider, Muassasah. He noted that the tents and facilities at Arafat were substandard and unsuitable for pilgrims, which led to illnesses and several complaints.
He also faulted the services of Flynas Airline, stating that the aircraft deployed for Lagos pilgrims were not spacious enough and had inadequate restrooms, causing discomfort during the journey.
Hon. Layode further requested NAHCON’s approval for States to set up clinic spaces in their hotels. According to him, this will enable State medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor ailments, thereby reducing pressure on NAHCON clinics and Saudi hospitals.
He also urged NAHCON to facilitate the seamless transportation of drugs purchased by States for pilgrims, lamenting that drugs procured by Lagos for the last Hajj were denied entry into Saudi Arabia despite the huge amount spent by the State Government.
On luggage, the Commissioner appealed to NAHCON to retain the current policy of two 23kg main bags and one 8kg hand luggage for the 2027 exercise, instead of reverting to the previous single 32kg bag, which he said would limit pilgrims’ packing space.
Earlier in his address, Prince Elegushi said the team was in Lagos to brief the State on new developments in Hajj administration introduced by the Saudi Arabian Government.
He explained that in line with Saudi Vision 2030, Hajj operations have become private sector-driven, with government focusing on regulation and supervision, especially in aviation. He added that States are expected to establish companies to operate as tour operators, noting that while no single State can do it alone, South West States could form a joint private company.
Prince Elegushi commended Lagos as a pioneer in pilgrims’ welfare, a tradition he said was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor. He encouraged the State to sustain and improve on the gesture in future operations.
He also urged the State to educate pilgrims against the indiscriminate use of hospitals in Saudi Arabia. He further announced that NAHCON had approved two companies to produce pilgrims’ bags to ensure quality and prevent the circulation of substandard ones.
Members of the NAHCON delegation included the Commissioner for South West, Dr. Tajudeen Oladejo; Commissioner representing the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji; Director of Aviation, Engr. Habib Bello; Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Operations, Alh. Gafar Odunola; and Zonal Coordinator, Alh. Mustapha Wasiu Adetoro, among others.
On the Lagos State side were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; Board Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin; former Board Secretary, Mr. Muftau Adeniyi Okoya; and Heads of Departments and Units of the Board, according to a press statement on Sunday by Taofeek Lawal
,Director, Public Affairs of the Board.