Lagos pilgrims to return Monday, Lagos govt says
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The 1,600 Lagos pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will begin their return journey to Nigeria on Monday, June 8, according to the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The disclosure was made by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, in a statement issued by the Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, on Saturday.
Layode said the pilgrims would be airlifted back to the country in line with the schedule approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with the first batch expected to depart Saudi Arabia on June 8.
He explained that additional return flights have been scheduled for June 10, June 11 and June 12, while the final batch of Lagos pilgrims is expected to arrive in Nigeria on June 13, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
The commissioner urged the pilgrims to comply strictly with the approved luggage allowance of two 23-kilogram bags and one eight-kilogram hand luggage, warning against the inclusion of water and other prohibited items in their baggage.
He also appealed to the pilgrims to remain patient and cooperate with officials handling the return operation, assuring them that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth transportation of all participants back home.
Layode expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat for their support and encouragement, which he described as instrumental to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise by Lagos State.
He further commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, members of the committee, officials of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ulamah, Hajj guides and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful pilgrimage operation.
