Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed that Gateway Air, the state-owned airline, is prepared to fly not only Ogun pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj but also intending pilgrims from other South-West states.
The Governor stated that Ogun would explore opportunities to join the emerging private-sector-driven Hajj airlift arrangement, particularly for pilgrims from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
Abiodun announced this on Friday during a visit from a delegation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by its Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, at his office.
He mentioned that the state government has noted the new regulations regulating private-sector participation in Hajj operations and praised NAHCON for supporting a successful and safe airlift of Ogun pilgrims from Gateway International Airport to Saudi Arabia during the last Hajj.
He added that Ogun has always aimed to charter an aircraft under Gateway Air to fly its pilgrims directly from Gateway International Airport.
“We have consistently expressed interest that, based on last time’s experience, we want to charter our own aircraft. We want to brand it Gateway Air, and we want to handle our own airlift because we believe we can do it efficiently.
“The same level of efficiency demonstrated in building a world-class airport and establishing Gateway Air shows we know how to organize ourselves in Ogun State. The motivation and cooperation with NAHCON were commendable and exemplary.
“For us, it’s about making it easier for our pilgrims to reach the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We’ve invested in a world-class airport, and we think our pilgrims should start their journey from there.
“It was a challenge, but you supported us, and together we navigated those bumps successfully,” he said.
While thanking NAHCON for sharing the new Hajj regulations issued by Saudi Arabia, Abiodun highlighted that the early start of registration for the next Hajj demonstrated the commission’s strong organization and readiness.
Discussing religious harmony, the Governor noted that Ogun has remained peaceful and free of religious crises during his administration, attributing this to the good relationships among the people, regardless of their faiths.
He also welcomed NAHCON’s proposal for South-West states to form a united body, similar to the Oodua Investment structure, to serve as private representatives and coordinate Hajj affairs for the region.
He said he would bring this idea to the Oodua Investment Group for discussion.
Earlier, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, said that registration for the upcoming Hajj had begun and would be extended beyond Friday to allow more pilgrims to register.
He explained that early registration was critical for providing accurate numbers to Saudi authorities in advance.
“The reason for starting early is to give Saudi Arabia the time needed to prepare for the right number of pilgrims. The portal is currently closed but will reopen soon, maybe even today,” he said.
Elegushi also noted that efforts are underway to secure more slots, as current allocations are insufficient.
He congratulated Ogun on its achievement of sending the first batch of pilgrims directly from Gateway International Airport, a milestone that he said would be remembered in the history of Ogun State and the South-West.
He explained that Saudi Arabia has traditionally allocated around 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria, but this has decreased to about 50,000 due to adjustments linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes private-sector participation and digitalization in Hajj and Umrah operations.
Furthermore, Elegushi talked about NAHCON’s pre-Hajj visits, where states identify accommodations and service providers. The Kingdom has initially allocated 98% of the Hajj quota to private operators, with only 2% reserved for government operations.
This policy has prompted states to consider privatizing their Hajj operations and forming a single regional company to meet Saudi requirements, including the minimum of 2,000 pilgrims needed for independent operation, a challenge for some states.
He encouraged Governor Abiodun to ensure Ogun’s success with Gateway Air, as it did during the last Hajj.
He disclosed that payments for the next Hajj are ongoing, with all expected to be completed by December 2, 2026.
The data of pilgrims will be uploaded before the flights begin, expected around late April or early May.
Elegushi mentioned that Saudi authorities have introduced about nine new health policies, including screening pilgrims for specific diseases before approval.
He commended Ogun for adhering to the health protocols last year and urged the state to maintain this commitment to ensure a smooth exercise.
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