- 2026 Hajj: Lagos To Airlift 1,600 Pilgrims In Five Batches
- First Batch Lands In Saudi Arabia
- Sanwo-Olu Assures Welfare Support
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed the arrival of 343 intending pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as the state officially commenced the 2026 Hajj exercise, Eko Hot Blog reports.
According to a statement issued by the board’s Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal, the pilgrims consisted of 169 men and 174 women.
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The inaugural flight departed from the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday aboard a Flynas Airline aircraft with flight number XY8504.
Lawal described the successful take-off and arrival as another major step in Lagos State’s commitment to providing a smooth and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage experience for its residents.
Speaking during the airlift, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their families that the Lagos State Government had made adequate arrangements to prioritise their welfare throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Layode disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved all necessary logistics and support systems to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims both in Nigeria and in the Holy Land.
He urged the pilgrims to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and serve as good ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria during the pilgrimage.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anofiu Elegushi, commended the orderly conduct of the airlifting process and praised the pilgrims for their patience and discipline.
Elegushi noted that the successful operation reflected the level of coordination between the Lagos State Government and NAHCON, expressing optimism for a hitch-free Hajj exercise and safe return of all pilgrims.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the Hajj Ad hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, also described the commencement of the exercise as impressive, saying it highlighted the state’s dedication to excellence in pilgrimage management.
He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, NAHCON officials, Flynas Airline, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their support and cooperation.
Some of the intending pilgrims who spoke with journalists expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation and welfare arrangements put in place by the state government and the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Lagos State has a total of 1,600 intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The second and third batches are expected to depart on Sunday, while the fourth and final batches are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
