2027 Hajj: Lagos seeks additional slots for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The Lagos state government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), for additional  hajj slots to accommodate the increasing number of intending pilgrims for the 2027 holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal during a recent engagement with the pre-2027 hajj assessment team from NAHCON led by the Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.

Layode described the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 exercise as grossly inadequate, adding that the state would need a minimum of 2,500 slots to meet her demand.

“Lagos has consistently performed well in hajj operations. Before my predecessor, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, left office, he airlifted 3,661 pilgrims in the 2023 operations alone. Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the tempo. We airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026, and we are already projecting not less than 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027. I, therefore, appeal to NAHCON to reconsider Lagos and allocate additional slots to us,” he said.

Speaking on the 2026 hajj experience, the commissioner expressed disappointment over the services rendered by the service providers, noting that the tents and facilities at Arafat were substandard and unsuitable for pilgrims, which led to illnesses and several complaints.

He also condemned the services of Flynas Airline, stating that the aircraft deployed for Lagos pilgrims were not spacious enough and had inadequate restrooms, causing discomfort during the journey.

The commissioner also requested NAHCON’s approval for states to set up clinic spaces in their hotels, which according to him will enable state medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor ailments, thereby reducing pressure on NAHCON clinics and Saudi hospitals.