Lagos to begin airlifting 1,600 pilgrims for 2026 Hajj on May 7
Lagos State Government Announces Hajj Airlift Schedule
The Lagos State Government will begin airlifting its contingent for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage on May 7, according to a statement from the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode.
In a press release issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, Layode confirmed the formation of an ad-hoc committee tasked with coordinating activities for the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The committee, chaired by Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, was inaugurated by Layode at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
Layode stated that approximately 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos will be transported in phases, commencing with an initial group of 345 pilgrims on the first flight. Subsequent flights will occur as follows: the second flight on Friday, May 8; the third on Sunday, May 10; the fourth on Tuesday, May 12; and the final flight on Wednesday, May 13. These arrangements align with the schedule set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
The commissioner also announced that Flynas, the airline designated for the flights, has increased the baggage allowance for pilgrims. Each pilgrim is now permitted two pieces of checked luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg, bringing the total allowance to 46 kg, while hand luggage remains limited to 8 kg.
Addressing the newly formed committee, Layode emphasized that their selection was based on competence and dedication. He urged members to perform their duties with integrity and a strong commitment, aligning with the goals of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The committee’s responsibilities include overseeing logistics, ensuring the welfare of pilgrims, arranging accommodations, providing medical support, and addressing any additional needs that may arise during the Hajj.
This appointment is effective immediately and will last for the duration of the 2026 Hajj operations. In remarks following the inauguration, Jebe expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and Layode for entrusting the committee with this important task.
Jebe assured that committee members would meet the expectations placed upon them and pledged a dedicated effort towards a successful Hajj exercise, also calling for ongoing support from the ministry.
He later announced the formation of several sub-committees and their chairpersons, including 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).
