No fewer than 343 Lagos Y2026 Hajj pilgrims, comprising of 169 males and 174 females have landed safely at the King Abdul Azeez International Airport, Medinah, Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage exercise.
According to a statement by Mr Taofeek Lawal, the Director, Public Affairs of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, revealed that the inaugural first flight took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at 6.26 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026, marked another significant milestone in the State’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for her pilgrims. The State’s contingent were airlifted by Flynas Airlines Airbus XY 8504.
During an interaction with Journalists, Hon. Olarenwaju Ibrahim Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amirul – Hajj assured that the State would make their welfare a top priority whilst in the Kingdom.
According to him, “The Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu has given approval for necessary arrangements to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate support both here in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. We encouraged all pilgrims to remain law – abiding, prayerful, and be a worthy ambassadors of Lagos State throughout their stay in the holy land.”
Also speaking to Journalists, Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON), Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, in the statement, commended the seamless organization of the airlifting process and praised the intending pilgrims for their patience and discipline.
He said: “Today’s successful airlifting is a reflection of the tireless efforts put in place by the State Government and NAHCON. We are delighted that the pilgrims are departing in an atmosphere of peace, orderliness and proper coordination. We pray for a successful Hajj exercise and safe return for everyone.”
in the same vein, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of Y2026 Hajj Ad – Hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Ahmad Jebe, described the commencement of the airlifting exercise as encouraging and commendable.
He said that the successful departure of the first batch, demonstrated the State’s commitment to excellence. He extended appreciation to the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu; the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat; NAHCON officials, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN); security agencies and intending pilgrims for their cooperation, praying that the entire Hajj Operations shall be hitch – free and successful.
The statement further stated that some of the pilgrims who spoke with Journalists also expressed their delight and satisfaction with the level of preparation, coordination and cooperation received from the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, stressing that the smooth take – off of the first batch reflects the dedication of the State Government, towards quality welfare services, safety and comfort for all the pilgrims throughout the Hajj operations.
Recall that Lagos State has 1,600 intending pilgrims who will be performing this year’s spiritual exercise.
The airlifting exercise will continue on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with the departure of second and third batches. The fourth batch is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, May 12, while the last and final batch wil leave on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
