The Lagos State Government has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to improve the quality of services available to Lagos pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj, particularly in accommodation, medical support and facilities at Arafat.
The state made the appeal during an engagement between its Ministry of Home Affairs and NAHCON’s pre-2027 Hajj assessment team, led by the commission’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi.
Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, said the state was concerned about some of the challenges encountered by its pilgrims during the 2026 pilgrimage.
According to him, the condition of tents and other facilities provided for pilgrims at Arafat was below the expected standard and contributed to health complaints among some Lagos pilgrims.
Layode urged NAHCON to ensure better facilities are provided during the 2027 pilgrimage, stressing that the welfare of pilgrims should remain a priority throughout the exercise.
The commissioner also raised concerns over the comfort of pilgrims travelling on Flynas aircraft, particularly the limited space and inadequate restroom facilities.
He said the difficulties experienced during the journey added to the discomfort faced by some pilgrims and called for improvements in the airlift arrangements for future operations.
Beyond accommodation and transportation, the Lagos government proposed the establishment of dedicated clinic spaces within hotels occupied by its pilgrims.
Layode said such clinics would allow medical personnel deployed by the state to provide first aid and attend to minor health issues without necessarily referring every case to NAHCON facilities or hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the arrangement could help reduce pressure on hospitals while ensuring that pilgrims receive prompt medical attention.
The commissioner also used the engagement to renew Lagos’ request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj allocation.
The state currently has 1,224 slots but is asking NAHCON to increase the figure to at least 2,500 to accommodate rising demand.
Layode said Lagos had demonstrated strong capacity in managing Hajj operations, noting that the state airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026 and was projecting at least 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027.
He further recalled that 3,661 Lagos pilgrims were airlifted during the 2023 Hajj under Elegushi’s tenure as the state’s commissioner.
The Lagos government said expanding the allocation would enable more residents who are interested in performing the pilgrimage to participate while also allowing the state to continue strengthening its welfare arrangements.
The discussions are expected to form part of the assessment process ahead of the 2027 Hajj as NAHCON reviews preparations and requirements for states participating in the annual pilgrimage.
