Hajj: Lagos concludes return airlift, seeks improved operations

The Lagos State government has successfully concluded the 2024 Hajj exercise with the safe return of the final batch of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

The pilgrims arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Flynas flight XY9066, which carried 401 pilgrims and 11 officials, including 144 from Lagos and 257 from Osun State.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, Ibrahim Layode, the Amir-ul-Hajj and the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, described the Hajj operation as successful.

He commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct in the Holy Land and pledged to address the challenges encountered during the exercise.

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Layode said that a post-hajj conference will be organized by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to address any issues and seek lasting solutions. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the successful completion of the Hajj.

Dr. Abdullahi Jebe Ahmad, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, acknowledged the efforts of the Saudi authorities in creating an improved environment for the pilgrims, making this year’s Hajj a memorable experience for Lagos State pilgrims.

A total of 1,869 pilgrims were airlifted by the State for the holy pilgrimage, with the return journey commencing on June 23 and concluding on July 3.

Apart from the death of Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris, all other pilgrims have safely returned to their families, with some traveling directly to the USA and UK from Saudi Arabia.

Kaduna airlifts over 2,500 pilgrims

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has successfully returned over 2,500 out of its 4,767 pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The agency’s spokesman, Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, in a statement, said the pilgrims were transported back home on five outbound flights operated by MaxAir Airline.

He assured the remaining pilgrims still in Saudi Arabia that they would soon be reunited with their families.

The statement also highlighted that Kaduna State had the highest number of pilgrims this year, totaling 4,767, and regrettably reported that two pilgrims passed away while in Saudi Arabia.