(DDM) – Authorities in southwestern Nigeria are intensifying preparations to facilitate Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as security agencies and government officials coordinate operations at the newly developed Gateway International Airport in Ogun State.
Officials from multiple federal security agencies met with representatives of the Ogun State government at Gateway International Airport to review operational plans and finalize security arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage season.
The meeting brought together officials from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), all of whom are responsible for maintaining safety and regulatory compliance at the airport.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, the airport has the infrastructure and operational capacity required to handle Hajj-related activities this year.
“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year,” Dairo said during the meeting. “Representatives of the relevant agencies are here to outline the minimum requirements for a successful operation and to assess the facilities available at the airport.”
The commissioner explained that the airport is an important part of the state government’s broader economic development strategy, aimed at boosting aviation activity, trade, and international connectivity in the region.
He added that the facility has already received regulatory approval from the NCAA to operate domestic commercial flights and is equipped with modern aviation infrastructure capable of supporting international travel for religious pilgrimage.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and requires extensive logistical planning, particularly for countries like Nigeria, which sends thousands of pilgrims each year to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the operational plan, officials disclosed that a temporary processing camp will be established at the airport to handle documentation, security screening, and other departure procedures for pilgrims.
Authorities estimate that approximately 500 pilgrims from Ogun State are expected to depart through the Gateway International Airport for this year’s pilgrimage.
Airport consultant Dapo Olumide said the facility, which has already begun commercial flight operations, is capable of accommodating different categories of aircraft and passenger operations.
He noted that federal security agencies are working closely with the state government to ensure that all necessary security, immigration, and customs procedures are properly integrated before the pilgrimage flights begin.
Meanwhile, officials from the NCAA confirmed that the airport has met the operational standards required for such activities.
According to Uyiekpen Asuen, a representative of the aviation regulator, the airport is among 17 airports across Nigeria approved for Hajj operations, following inspections that verified its infrastructure and safety compliance.
In addition, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier inspected the airport and approved it as a departure point for pilgrims from the state.
Preparations are also being coordinated with the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board, which is responsible for organizing the airlift of pilgrims and overseeing welfare arrangements during the journey.
Security officials at the meeting emphasized the importance of strong inter-agency coordination to guarantee smooth operations and ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the travel process.
Authorities say the initiative could significantly enhance Ogun State’s aviation profile while providing a more convenient departure point for pilgrims in the region.
If successfully implemented, the Gateway International Airport’s participation in Hajj operations may mark a significant milestone in the development of the state’s aviation infrastructure and its ambition to become a major transportation hub in Nigeria. ✈️🕋
