The Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for additional slots and improved welfare arrangements for pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal on Friday while receiving a pre-2027 Hajj assessment team led by NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.
Layode described Lagos’ allocation of 1,224 slots as inadequate, saying the State requires at least 2,500 slots to meet growing demand. He noted that Lagos airlifted 3,661 pilgrims in 2023 and 1,600 pilgrims in 2026, while the State is projecting at least 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027.
Reviewing the 2026 Hajj, the Commissioner criticised the services provided by Muassasah, describing the Arafat tents and facilities as substandard and unsuitable, with the poor conditions reportedly contributing to illnesses and complaints among pilgrims. He also faulted Flynas Airline, saying its aircraft for Lagos pilgrims lacked sufficient space and adequate restrooms, causing discomfort during the journey.
Layode requested NAHCON’s approval for states to establish clinic spaces within pilgrims’ hotels, allowing state medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor illnesses while reducing pressure on NAHCON clinics and Saudi hospitals. He also appealed for smoother transportation of drugs purchased by states, noting that medicines procured by Lagos for the last Hajj were denied entry into Saudi Arabia despite the State Government’s expenditure.
On luggage, he urged NAHCON to retain the current allowance of two 23kg bags and one 8kg hand luggage for 2027, rather than reverting to the former single 32kg bag.
Earlier, Prince Elegushi said the NAHCON team was in Lagos to brief the State on new developments in Hajj administration introduced by the Saudi Arabian Government under Saudi Vision 2030. He explained that Hajj operations are increasingly private-sector driven, with government focusing on regulation and supervision, particularly in aviation.
He said states are expected to establish companies to operate as tour operators, adding that South-West states could form a joint private company because individual states may not be able to operate alone.
Elegushi commended Lagos for its long-standing commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, noting that the tradition was initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos Governor. He urged the State to sustain and improve the initiative while encouraging pilgrims to avoid indiscriminate use of hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
He also disclosed that NAHCON had approved two companies to produce pilgrims’ bags, aimed at ensuring quality and preventing substandard bags from reaching pilgrims.
The NAHCON delegation included 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.
Representing Lagos State were 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.