By Soliu Oyesiji
The Ogun State Government says it will establish a temporary camp to process about 500 pilgrims expected to depart for the Hajj from Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo.
Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, disclosed this on Monday during a strategic security meeting between the state government and airport security agencies at the facility located in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Dairo said the camp would serve as a processing centre for intending pilgrims ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.
He explained that the meeting was convened to fine-tune security arrangements and outline operational requirements for the planned Hajj operations at the airport.
According to him, the airport possesses the required infrastructure and management capacity to handle the exercise and has been recognised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the purpose.
“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year. Security and regulatory agencies are here to outline the minimum requirements for a successful operation and to assess the facilities available,” Dairo said.
Representatives of agencies including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Department of State Services attended the meeting and expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure at the airport.
Consultant to the airport, Dapo Olumide, said the facility has already commenced commercial flight operations and is equipped with modern infrastructure capable of handling different categories of aircraft.
He added that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier approved the airport for Hajj operations after inspecting its facilities, while the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board is making arrangements to airlift pilgrims through the airport.
Also speaking, Uyiekpen Asuen of the NCAA confirmed that the airport meets the required operational standards and is among the 17 airports designated nationwide for Hajj operations.
Other agencies present at the meeting included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Port Health Services and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, who stressed the need for close collaboration to ensure smooth Hajj operations.
