- The Ogun State Government has finalized arrangements to launch international flight operations at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo, starting with the 2026 Hajj airlift.
- Governor Dapo Abiodun has engaged with federal agencies, including the NIS, NDLEA, and Customs, to establish the necessary security and passenger processing infrastructure at the facility.
- The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the NCAA have approved the airport as one of the 17 designated hubs for pilgrimage operations in the country.
Ogun State is set to achieve a major infrastructural feat as the Gateway International Airport prepares to host its first-ever international flight operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the state government announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, that the facility located in Iperu-Remo will serve as the departure point for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, noted that this development marks a significant shift in the region’s aviation landscape.
For decades, travelers from Ogun and surrounding areas were forced to utilize the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for both domestic and international trips.
The activation of the Gateway International Airport is expected to ease this logistical burden and stimulate local economic growth.
To ensure a seamless transition to international status, Governor Dapo Abiodun has mobilized a high-level coordination team.
Capt. Dapo Olumide, the Consultant on Aviation Matters and Accountable Manager of the airport, has been leading discussions with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
These consultations are focused on deploying specialized personnel and installing advanced security architecture required for global travel standards.
Operational readiness has already been confirmed by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Representative Uyiekpen Asuen stated that the airport meets the rigorous standards necessary for commercial and pilgrimage flights.
Furthermore, the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, revealed that a temporary pilgrims’ camp will be established at the site to process approximately 500 pilgrims scheduled for the inaugural airlift.
The airport, which has already been handling domestic commercial traffic, features modern facilities capable of accommodating various categories of heavy aircraft.
As the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board makes final preparations, the successful execution of the Hajj flights is viewed as the “litmus test” for the airport’s full-scale international passenger services, positioning Ogun State as a vital logistics and transportation hub in the South-West.
