As of Wednesday, June 26, 2024, a total of 926 out of 1,869 pilgrims from Lagos State who participated in the 2024 Hajj have been airlifted back home.
The Amirul Hajj of Lagos State and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to convene a meeting with all states to address the challenges faced during this year’s pilgrimage and find solutions to prevent future issues.
During a press conference held on Tuesday at the Alsaad Flower Hotel 2 in Misfalah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Hon. Layode highlighted several difficulties encountered by the pilgrims.
He specifically mentioned that the caterer chosen by NAHCON provided meals that did not suit the preferences of pilgrims from the South West, leading to a near protest at Mina where many pilgrims opted to buy food from vendors instead.
Hon. Layode also pointed out that the accommodation provided for Lagos pilgrims in Makkah was substandard. Despite these issues, he opposed the idea of scrapping NAHCON, stating, “You can’t throw away the baby with the bath water.”
He emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to address and resolve these challenges for the 2025 Hajj. “NAHCON themselves have agreed that there have been challenges this year.
We need to come together, sit down at a round table, and address these challenges and mistakes to find solutions for future pilgrimages,” he said.
Hon. Layode expressed gratitude to the Lagos State pilgrims for their patience and endurance, commending their conduct despite the operational difficulties.
He also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Oabafemi Hamzat, for their unwavering support, particularly in providing the shortfall of the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and covering the cost of rams among other gestures.
The press briefing was attended by various government functionaries, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; Chairman of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar; Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede; Prof. Kabir Paramole (Badagry division); Dr. (Mrs.) Faosat Dabiri (Lagos division); Alh. Yusuf Ara (Epe division); Alh. Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu division); and Hon. Lolade Shonibare (Ikeja division/Chairman, Publicity Committee).
