Gateway International Airport set for hajj operations as security agencies pledge support
Security agencies responsible for airport operations in Nigeria have pledged to collaborate with the Ogun State Government to ensure seamless Hajj operations at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo.
The commitment was made on Monday during a strategic security meeting between representatives of the state government and key security agencies at the airport in Ikenne Local Government Area.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, said the airport has the infrastructure, facilities and management capacity required to handle Hajj operations.
He added that the facility has been recognised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for the purpose.
Dairo noted that the airport is an important component of the state government’s economic development agenda and has positioned Ogun State on the global aviation map.
He stated that the airport is fully prepared for Hajj operations, explaining that the NCAA has already certified the facility for domestic commercial flights after granting all necessary approvals.
According to him, representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of State Services and the NCAA attended the meeting to outline operational requirements and assess the airport’s facilities.
The commissioner added that the agencies expressed satisfaction with the available infrastructure, while the state government assured them of its readiness to provide everything needed for seamless operations. He also disclosed that a temporary camp would be established to process about 500 pilgrims expected to depart from the airport.
Also speaking, the airport consultant, Dapo Olumide, and an NCAA official, Uyiekpen Asuen, confirmed that the facility meets operational standards and is among the 17 airports designated for Hajj operations, while security agencies emphasised the need for strong inter-agency collaboration to ensure smooth operations.
