LAGOS, Nigeria — September 16, 2026: The Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to increase the state’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj, citing growing demand among intending pilgrims.
The state is seeking an increase from the 1,224 slots currently allocated to Lagos to at least 2,500 slots for the 2027 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, made the request during an engagement with NAHCON’s pre-2027 Hajj assessment team led by the Commissioner’s Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.
Layode said Lagos had continued to record significant participation in Hajj operations, noting that the state airlifted 1,600 pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj and was already projecting more than 2,000 intending pilgrims for the 2027 exercise.
He therefore asked NAHCON to reconsider the state’s allocation to accommodate the increasing number of applicants.
Lagos Raises Concerns Over 2026 Hajj Services
Beyond the request for additional slots, the state also raised concerns about some of the services provided to Lagos pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj.
Layode particularly criticised the facilities provided at Arafat, describing them as below the standard expected for pilgrims. He said the conditions contributed to illnesses and generated complaints among some members of the Lagos contingent.
The commissioner also raised concerns about the aircraft deployed by Flynas, saying the planes were not sufficiently spacious and had inadequate restroom facilities, which he said caused discomfort for pilgrims during the journey.
State Seeks Clinics in Pilgrims’ Hotels
Lagos also asked NAHCON to permit participating states to establish clinic spaces within pilgrims’ hotels in Saudi Arabia.
According to the state, this would allow medical teams accompanying pilgrims to provide first aid and manage minor ailments closer to where pilgrims are staying, while reducing unnecessary pressure on NAHCON medical facilities and Saudi hospitals.
The state further requested support for the smooth transportation of drugs purchased for pilgrims and called for the retention of the existing luggage allowance of two 23kg bags and one 8kg hand luggage for the 2027 operation.
NAHCON Explains New Hajj Administration Model
Responding to the concerns, Elegushi said the NAHCON team was in Lagos to brief the state on developments in Hajj administration following reforms introduced by the Saudi Arabian Government.
He explained that under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Hajj operations are becoming increasingly private-sector driven, while government focuses on regulation and supervision, particularly in aviation.
Elegushi said Nigerian states would be expected to establish companies capable of operating as tour operators. He suggested that states in the South-West could consider establishing a joint company because individual states may not have sufficient capacity to operate independently.
The discussions form part of preparations for the 2027 Hajj, as Nigerian authorities and state pilgrims’ welfare agencies begin planning for the next pilgrimage season.
NAHCON has separately warned intending pilgrims and tour operators against individuals demanding money in exchange for promises of guaranteed Hajj slots, stressing that slot allocation must follow the Commission’s approved procedures.
