Lagos Sets Up Ad-Hoc Committee for 2026 Hajj, Begins Airlift May 7

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to oversee the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, announcing that the airlifting of 1,600 intending pilgrims will commence on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

The committee was inaugurated at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. It is chaired by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe.

Speaking at the inauguration, Layode said the committee members were selected based on competence and dedication, stressing that they are expected to ensure seamless planning, coordination, and execution of Hajj operations under the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. He urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity, noting that their responsibilities include logistics coordination, pilgrims’ welfare, accommodation, and medical arrangements.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Jebe expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, assuring that the team would justify the confidence reposed in them.

The government also announced the creation of sub-committees to handle key areas, including accommodation, welfare, manifest/visa/media, Madinah/Muna and Arafat operations, Da’wah and enlightenment, transport, as well as luggage and weighing.

On the airlift schedule, Layode disclosed that the first batch of 345 pilgrims will depart on May 7, with subsequent flights scheduled for May 8, May 10, May 12, and May 13, in line with arrangements by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

He further revealed that Flynas Airline has increased the main luggage allowance for pilgrims from 32kg to 46kg, allowing each pilgrim to travel with two 23kg bags and an additional 8kg hand luggage.