All 1,600 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have safely returned home to reunite with their families.
The arrival of the final batch of 187 pilgrims on Saturday marked the successful conclusion of Lagos State’s 2026 Hajj operations.
Speaking with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, the Amir-ul-Hajj and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, described the pilgrimage as a resounding success.
Layode attributed the achievement to the exemplary conduct of the pilgrims and the extensive preparations made by the State Government in collaboration with key stakeholders before departure.
“We give all glory to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of this year’s Hajj. This achievement was made possible through teamwork, dedication, and a clear sense of purpose,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that despite the strict deadlines set by Saudi authorities for payments and processing, Lagos State commenced preparations early, making the entire operation seamless. He added that pilgrims underwent comprehensive medical screenings, received proper orientation, and benefited from welfare support provided by the State Government.
Layode also expressed appreciation to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, for their unwavering support, which he said contributed significantly to the success recorded during the exercise.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, stated that Lagos State’s well-established operational template has continued to ensure efficient Hajj administration over the years.
According to him, Lagos possesses the necessary manpower and technical expertise to successfully manage future pilgrimages and is prepared to accommodate more than 3,000 pilgrims in subsequent Hajj exercises.
“Lagos is known for excellence in Hajj operations, and we have once again demonstrated our capacity to deliver. We are committed to achieving even greater success in the coming years,” Jebe said.
He acknowledged that the early payment deadlines introduced by Saudi authorities initially posed a challenge but commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing financial support that enabled the State to meet all requirements within the stipulated timeframe.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, attributed the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders. He assured intending pilgrims of increased enlightenment campaigns ahead of future exercises, particularly on the importance of early payments.
Several returning pilgrims also expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the pilgrimage, praising Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, the Amir-ul-Hajj, and other officials for prioritising their welfare throughout the spiritual journey.
