Hajj 2026: 1,600 Lagos pilgrims return safely from Saudi Arabia

No fewer than 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State who participated in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have returned safely to Nigeria, marking the successful conclusion of the state’s pilgrimage operations.

The arrival of the final batch of 187 pilgrims at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Saturday brought the 2026 Hajj exercise to a close.

Speaking with journalists at the airport, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, described the exercise as successful, attributing the achievement to adequate planning, teamwork and the exemplary conduct of the pilgrims.

“We give all glory to Almighty God for the successful completion of this year’s Hajj journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

” It was a success achieved through teamwork and consciousness of purpose,” he said.

Layode said the state commenced preparations early despite the strict timelines set by Saudi authorities for payments and documentation.

“We carried out comprehensive health checks, provided proper orientation and ensured the welfare of our pilgrims.

“These proactive measures made the operations easier and contributed significantly to the success recorded,” he said.

The commissioner commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their support, noting that their intervention facilitated smooth operations throughout the pilgrimage.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, said Lagos had developed a reliable operational template that had sustained efficient Hajj administration over the years.

“We have the manpower and tested template that continue to guide our operations.

“Lagos is not a test-run ground; we are ready to accommodate over 3,000 pilgrims in future Hajj exercises,” he said.

Jebe acknowledged the challenges posed by the early deadlines imposed by Saudi authorities but said the state government provided financial support to enable intending pilgrims meet the requirements promptly.

“Gov. Sanwo-Olu gave us a lifeline that helped us beat the deadlines. As pilgrims make payments, the government is reimbursed. We are confident that future Hajj operations will be even smoother,” he said.

The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, attributed the success of the exercise to coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.

Ajomagberin added that the board would intensify enlightenment campaigns to encourage intending pilgrims to embrace early payment and timely compliance with Hajj procedures.