343 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for 2026 Hajj, Lagos State confirms
By Adeola Ogunrinde
No fewer than 343 intending pilgrims from Lagos State participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise have arrived safely in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, aboard the state’s inaugural flight.
The inaugural flight, operated by Flynas with aircraft number XY8504, conveyed 169 male and 174 female pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.
The flight departed the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:26 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, marking the commencement of the state’s airlift operations for this year’s Hajj exercise.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, assured pilgrims and their families that the state government would prioritise their welfare throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved all necessary arrangements to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate support both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. He urged the pilgrims to remain law-abiding, prayerful and worthy ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria during their stay in the Holy Land.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anofiu Elegushi, commended the smooth coordination of the airlifting process and praised the intending pilgrims for their patience and discipline.
Elegushi said the successful airlift reflected the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Government and NAHCON in ensuring a peaceful and orderly exercise. He also prayed for a successful Hajj exercise and the safe return of all pilgrims.
In the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Abdullahi Jebe, described the commencement of the airlift as encouraging and commendable. He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, NAHCON officials, stakeholders, Flynas officials, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, security agencies and the intending pilgrims for their cooperation, expressing optimism that the entire Hajj operation would be hitch-free and successful.
