2027 Hajj: Lagos demands more slots
Lagos Government Seeks Increased Pilgrimage Slots for 2027 Hajj
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has formally requested an increase in the number of pilgrimage slots allocated to the state for the 2027 Hajj from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This appeal comes as more residents express their desire to participate in the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Ibrahim Layode, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, made the request during a meeting with NAHCON’s pre-2027 Hajj assessment team, which was led by Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing.
Layode characterized the current allocation of 1,224 slots for Lagos as insufficient and indicated that the state requires at least 2,500 slots to adequately meet the anticipated demand from prospective pilgrims.
“Lagos has consistently excelled in Hajj operations,” Layode said. “In 2023, my predecessor airlifted 3,661 pilgrims. Since my tenure began in 2024, we have maintained this momentum, airlifting 1,600 in 2026 and projecting at least 2,000 pilgrims for 2027. I urge NAHCON to reconsider the allocation of additional slots for Lagos.”
During the discussion, Layode expressed concerns regarding the quality of services provided to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj. He specifically criticized the condition of tents and facilities at Arafat, calling them “substandard and unsuitable” and linking these inadequacies to health complaints among attendees.
The Commissioner also raised issues with Flynas Airline, citing insufficient space and inadequate restroom facilities on flights for Lagos pilgrims, which contributed to discomfort during their travels.
Additionally, Layode proposed that NAHCON allow states to establish clinic spaces in hotels housing their pilgrims. He believes that such facilities would enable state medical teams to offer first aid and address minor health concerns, thus alleviating pressure on NAHCON clinics and hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
He further urged the commission to facilitate the transportation of medical supplies procured by states and to uphold the current luggage policy of two 23-kilogram bags and one 8-kilogram hand luggage for the 2027 pilgrimage.
In response, Elegushi noted that the NAHCON team visited Lagos to apprise state officials of recent changes introduced by the Saudi Arabian government regarding Hajj administration. He explained that Saudi Vision 2030 has led to an increased role for the private sector in Hajj operations, with the government focusing mainly on regulation and oversight, particularly within the aviation sector.
He indicated that states are expected to create companies to serve as tour operators under this new framework, suggesting that states in the South-West region might collaborate to form a joint private entity.
Elegushi praised Lagos for its long-standing commitment to the welfare of its pilgrims, a tradition he noted was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as governor. He encouraged the Lagos government to continue this legacy and enhance its welfare programs for future Hajj operations.
