Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for additional slots for the 2027 Holy Pilgrimage, citing rising demand among intending pilgrims in the state.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal on Friday while receiving a pre-2027 Hajj assessment team from NAHCON, led by the Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.
Layode described the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 Hajj as inadequate, urging NAHCON to increase the allocation to at least 2,500 slots to meet the growing demand.
“Lagos has consistently performed well in Hajj operations. Before my predecessor, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, left office, he airlifted 3,661 pilgrims during the 2023 operations alone. Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the tempo. We airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026, and we are already projecting not less than 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027.
“I, therefore, appeal to NAHCON to reconsider Lagos and allocate additional slots to us,” he said.
The Commissioner also raised concerns over the quality of services provided to Lagos pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, particularly at Arafat, where he described the tents and facilities provided by Muassasah as substandard and unsuitable for pilgrims.
According to him, the poor facilities contributed to illnesses and generated several complaints from pilgrims.
Layode also criticised the services provided by Flynas Airline, saying the aircraft deployed for Lagos pilgrims were inadequately spacious and had insufficient restroom facilities, resulting in discomfort during the journey.
He called on NAHCON to approve the establishment of clinic spaces in pilgrims’ hotels, saying the arrangement would enable state medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor ailments while reducing pressure on NAHCON clinics and Saudi hospitals.
The Commissioner further appealed to NAHCON to facilitate the transportation of drugs procured by state governments for pilgrims into Saudi Arabia. He said Lagos was prevented from taking medicines purchased for its pilgrims during the last Hajj despite the substantial resources committed to their procurement.
On luggage allowance, Layode urged NAHCON to retain the existing policy of two 23kg main bags and one 8kg hand luggage for the 2027 Hajj, rather than reverting to the former single 32kg baggage arrangement.
He said the current arrangement provides pilgrims with more flexibility and adequate packing space.
Earlier, Elegushi explained that the NAHCON delegation was in Lagos to brief the state on recent developments in Hajj administration introduced by the Saudi Arabian Government.
He said that, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Hajj operations had become increasingly private sector-driven, with the government focusing largely on regulation and supervision, particularly in aviation.
Elegushi added that states would be expected to establish companies to operate as tour operators, noting that states within the South-West could consider forming a joint private company to participate effectively in the new system.
He 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 Governor of the state.
Elegushi urged the state to sustain and improve the initiative in future Hajj operations.
He also advised Lagos to educate pilgrims on the appropriate use of hospitals in Saudi Arabia and discourage indiscriminate hospital visits.
The NAHCON official further disclosed that the commission had approved two companies to produce pilgrims’ bags, aimed at ensuring quality and preventing the circulation of substandard bags.
Members of the NAHCON delegation included the 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.
The Lagos State delegation included the 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; as well as heads of departments and units of the Board.
