The first contingent of pilgrims from Lagos has officially arrived in Madinah, marking the successful commencement of the 2026 Hajj exercise for the state. The group of 343 pilgrims departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja on Friday aboard a Flynas airline flight. While 345 passengers were originally scheduled for the opening batch, two were unable to make the trip — one due to flight scheduling conflicts from the diaspora and another following medical advice to delay travel.
Mandatory Nusuk Card for All Pilgrims
A major focus of this year’s operation is the mandatory Nusuk card, a digital identification system introduced by Saudi authorities. Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, emphasized that the card is now a non-negotiable requirement for boarding and movement within the Kingdom. “The Nusuk card is critical. Once officials scan it, all pilgrim information is immediately visible,” Layode explained. “It is designed to reduce incidents of missing persons and help manage crowds to prevent stampedes.”
Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, echoed these sentiments, noting that the card is the only key to the holy sites. “The card is required to board buses to Mina, Arafat, and Makkah. The system ensures only registered pilgrims can access spiritual sites, improving safety for all.”
Efficient Airlift Operations
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reported that the 2026 airlift is currently one of the most efficient in recent history. As of this weekend, Elegushi attributed this success to a proactive visa policy. “Gone are the days when aircraft would wait for passengers to get visas. This year, all visa processing was completed a month before the first flight,” he stated.
Pilgrim Sensitization and Ambassadorial Role
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs (Islam), Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, confirmed that pilgrims have undergone rigorous sensitization. “These programs focused on airport safety, Saudi regulations, and the dangers of carrying luggage for strangers.” Commissioner Layode added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat have charged the pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of both Lagos State and Nigeria, urging them to maintain the highest level of responsibility during their spiritual journey.
The final batch of Lagos State pilgrims is expected to depart for the Holy Land on May 13.
