Lagos Sets Up 2026 Hajj Committee, Fixes May 7 for Pilgrims’ Airlift
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Lagos State Government has constituted an ad-hoc committee to coordinate activities for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with the airlift of intending pilgrims scheduled to commence on May 7.
The committee, chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was inaugurated on Wednesday at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode.
The Director of Public Affairs, Taofeek Lawal disclosed this in a statement.
He explained that Layode said the appointment of committee members was driven by the need to ensure efficient planning, coordination, and execution of all Hajj-related operations.
He emphasised that members were selected based on competence and commitment, urging them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and professionalism.
He outlined the committee’s mandate to include logistics coordination, pilgrims’ welfare, accommodation, and medical arrangements, alongside other responsibilities that may arise during the exercise.
He added that the appointment takes immediate effect and will last through the duration of the 2026 Hajj operations.
Responding, the committee chairman, Dr. Jebe, expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Home Affairs Commissioner for the confidence reposed in the team.
He assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate and pledged to justify the trust placed in its members, while also seeking institutional support to ensure seamless execution.
Jebe subsequently announced the formation of sub-committees to drive key operational areas, including accommodation, welfare, manifest and visa processing, media coordination, transport, enlightenment, and luggage management.
Meanwhile, Layode confirmed that about 1,600 intending pilgrims from the state will be airlifted in phases beginning May 7.
The schedule includes five flights: the inaugural flight with 345 pilgrims on May 7, followed by subsequent departures on May 8, May 10, May 12, and the final batch on May 13.
He noted that the airlift plan aligns with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, which appointed Flynas as the designated carrier for Lagos pilgrims.
Layode further disclosed that the airline had approved an increase in baggage allowance, raising the main luggage limit from 32kg to 46kg per pilgrim.
Under the revised arrangement, each pilgrim will be entitled to two pieces of checked luggage weighing 23kg each, while hand luggage remains capped at 8kg.
