Lagos State has confirmed that its delegation for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will commence air transport on 7 May, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Commissioner for Home Affairs Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, speaking through Director of Public Affairs Taofeek Lawal, announced the formation of an ad‑hoc committee to oversee all aspects of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The committee, chaired by Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, was inaugurated at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Lagos delegation, estimated at 1,600 pilgrims, will travel in five separate flights. The first batch of 345 pilgrims departs on 7 May, followed by flights on 8 May, 10 May, 12 May and a final departure on 13 May. The schedule aligns with the timetable issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Flynas, the airline appointed by NAHCON for the operation, has increased the baggage allowance for Lagos pilgrims. Each pilgrim may now check two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg, bringing the total checked‑baggage limit to 46 kg. Hand‑luggage remains capped at 8 kg.
Layode said the committee members were selected for their competence and commitment and are tasked with ensuring smooth planning and execution of all Hajj‑related activities. Their remit includes logistics coordination, pilgrim welfare, accommodation, medical support and any other responsibilities that arise during the pilgrimage. The appointments take effect immediately and will remain in force for the duration of the 2026 Hajj season.
Jebe thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Commissioner Layode for entrusting the committee with the mandate. He pledged that the team would uphold the confidence placed in them and called for continued support from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During the inauguration, Jebe announced the composition of sub‑committees and their chairpersons:
* Accommodation – Musliudeen Maiyegun
* Welfare – Ajisegiri Ismail Ajibade
* Manifest, Visa and Media – Waheed Lolade Shonibare
* Madinah/Muna and Arafat – Alhaji Shakiru Gafar
* Dawah/Enlightenment – Prof. Kabir Paramole
* Transport – Alhaji Mojeed Sanni
* Luggage and Weighing – Alhaji Yusuf Ara
The coordinated effort seeks to ensure that Lagos State’s pilgrims undertake the Hajj safely and in accordance with NAHCON regulations, setting a precedent for future state‑level pilgrimage logistics.
