2026 Hajj: Ogun to Set Up Temporary Camp for 500 Pilgrims at Gateway Airport
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Ogun State Government has disclosed plans to establish a temporary hajj camp to process about 500 intending pilgrims expected to depart for the Holy Land through the Gateway International Airport during the forthcoming Hajj operations.
The plan was revealed on Monday during a strategic security meeting involving state government representatives and key security agencies at the airport in Ikenne Local Government Area.
Speaking at the meeting, the State Commissioner of Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, said the airport has the required infrastructure, operational facilities to handle Hajj operations.
He added that the facility has already received recognition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for the purpose.
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According to the commissioner, the airport represents a critical component of the state government’s economic development strategy and has positioned Ogun State as an emerging hub on the global aviation landscape.
“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year. Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services and the NCAA are here to outline the minimum requirements for a successful operation and assess the facilities available at the airport,” he said.
He added that the agencies expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and operational readiness of the airport.
“We have assured them that the state government is ready to provide everything required to ensure seamless operations for pilgrims and for the benefit of the state and the country,” Dairo stated.
Also speaking, the Consultant to Gateway International Airport, Dapo Olumide, said the airport, which has already commenced commercial flight operations, is equipped with modern facilities capable of handling different categories of aircraft.
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Olumide noted that security agencies would advise the state government on additional measures required to ensure a smooth Hajj operation, particularly as the NCAA has fully licensed the airport for such activities.
He further disclosed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had earlier approved the airport for Hajj operations after inspecting its facilities, while the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board is making arrangements to airlift pilgrims to the Holy Land through the airport.
