In the name of the Almighty, the Beneficent, the Merciful. The 2026 Hajj season has officially commenced as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) schedules the inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia for Sunday, May 3, 2026. The departure will take place at the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
Inaugural Flight Details
The first flight, operated by FlyNas, marks a historic moment as pilgrims from Ogun State will depart directly from their home soil for the first time. This follows the commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 4, 2026. Other flights scheduled for the same day include Umza and Max Air operations from Abuja carrying pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states, Air Peace from Lagos with Oyo pilgrims, and another FlyNas flight from Birnin Kebbi.
Strategic Importance for Ogun State
For Ogun State, hosting the inaugural flight is a dream realized. The state government had earlier announced that the first international operation at the airport would be the airlift of Muslim pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen aviation infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and position Ogun as a major logistics and transportation hub in Nigeria's South-West region.
To ensure a seamless airlift, high-level engagements were conducted with federal agencies critical to international airport operations. These included the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NAHCON, and other regulatory and security institutions. All agencies certified the facility before its commissioning on April 4.
Preparations for Pilgrims
Arrangements are being finalized for a smooth Hajj operation, including the establishment of a temporary pilgrims' camp at the airport. NAHCON's Advance Team, including members of the National Medical Team, departed for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday ahead of the pilgrims' arrival. The commission advised pilgrims to adhere strictly to flight schedules, as airlift operations will be conducted zone by zone. Once airlift from a zone is concluded, the carrier will not return. Pilgrims who miss their flight will have to wait for subsequent movement.
NAHCON also directed pilgrims to travel in groups of 45 as required for Nusuk card arrangements in Saudi Arabia and urged them to familiarize themselves with group members before departure. Pilgrims were advised to obtain contact details of their group leaders and state officials.
Leadership Impact
NAHCON Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf assured that adequate arrangements are in place for a successful Hajj. Since his appointment on February 11, 2026, there has been a noticeable improvement in pre-Hajj activities, with greater emphasis on planning, coordination, and service delivery. Key changes include delegation of responsibilities to NAHCON commissioners representing geopolitical zones, who now lead inspection visits to state pilgrims' welfare boards and Hajj camps. This marks a departure from routine courtesy visits under previous administrations.
Increased sensitization and coordination by state pilgrims' boards, along with stronger involvement of NAHCON zonal officials, have improved collaboration between the commission and states.
Nusuk Cards and Communication
A major highlight is the early deployment of Nusuk cards for Nigerian pilgrims. Officials of Mashariq Al Dhahabia recently activated and delivered cards to NAHCON for distribution in Abuja and Lagos zones. This contrasts with the 2025 Hajj, when many pilgrims received cards only after arrival in Saudi Arabia, leading to challenges such as inability to access the Grand Mosque and detentions. Under the current arrangement, pilgrims departing from Lagos and Abuja are expected to receive their cards before departure.
States like Kebbi, Ondo, and Bauchi have released flight manifests, helping pilgrims prepare. NAHCON's communication strategy has shifted towards public enlightenment, focusing on pilgrim-related information rather than administrative activities.
Future Outlook
While many preparatory processes were underway before Yusuf's appointment, stakeholders say his leadership is driving a quiet but notable shift. The 2027 Hajj will authenticate his capacity and test the commission's ability to consolidate reforms and align with global best practices as seen in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
