The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, has announced that all 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State have been successfully airlifted to Makkah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Ajomagberin disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Makkah, noting that the board ensured strict adherence to all required procedures for a smooth and coordinated transportation process.
He described the operation as a major logistical effort, explaining that the pilgrims were processed through visa issuance, medical screening, and verification of travel documents before departure.
“It has been a tremendous task moving this number of people from Lagos to Saudi Arabia, but we did a great job. We were able to do all the necessary processes, from obtaining visa, medical screening, making sure that all the travel documents are well processed,” he said.
He added that the successful movement of the pilgrims was achieved through collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, noting that five separate flights were used to convey the pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
“We were able to do that with the help of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. We are working closely with them. We give glory to Allah that we were able to mobilise five flights from Nigeria down to Saudi Arabia successfully,” he said.
Ajomagberin also commended NAHCON for providing adequate accommodation and feeding arrangements for Lagos pilgrims in Madinah, describing the support as commendable and helpful to the overall welfare of the pilgrims.
“NAHCON is always there to assist. They are in charge of the pilgrims in Madinah and they did their best to make us comfortable,” he added.
He urged the pilgrims to maintain good conduct throughout the spiritual exercise, reminding them that they represent both Lagos State and Nigeria.
Ajomagberin further encouraged them to pray for peace, unity, and continued progress in the state and across the country.