Ogun airport set for first Hajj flights

The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to commence international operations at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo with the airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement on Friday, said the planned Hajj operation would mark the first international flight from the airport, as the state government intensified efforts to position the facility as a major aviation hub in the South-West.

For years, intending air travellers from Ogun and neighbouring states had to travel to Lagos to board both domestic and international flights, but the state government said the new airport would change the situation.

Akinmade said the Gateway International Airport, “built to high engineering standards,” was gradually moving towards full operations, with ongoing activities to launch international passenger services.

He noted that the planned airlift of Muslim pilgrims formed part of a broader strategy by the state government to strengthen aviation infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and position Ogun as a logistics and transportation hub.

To facilitate the commencement of international flights, Akinmade said Abiodun had initiated engagements with key federal agencies whose responsibilities are critical to airport operations.

According to him, the agencies include the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other regulatory and security institutions.

The governor also mandated the Consultant on Aviation Matters and Accountable Manager of Gateway International Airport, Capt. Dapo Olumide, to coordinate discussions with the agencies,” he said.

Akinmade said Olumide had already held meetings with officials of the NIS, NDLEA and NCS as part of the preparations.

According to him, the consultations are focused on establishing the required security architecture, deploying specialised personnel, installing passenger processing systems and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

Meanwhile, Akinmade said security agencies had pledged their collaboration with the state government to ensure smooth Hajj operations at the airport.

The commitment followed a strategic meeting held at the airport in Ikenne Local Government Area, where representatives of the agencies assessed the facility and outlined the operational requirements for the planned flights.

Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, said the airport already possessed the infrastructure and management capacity required to handle Hajj operations.

“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year,” he said.

Dairo added that the agencies expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and operational capacity already in place.

He also disclosed that a temporary pilgrims’ camp would be established at the airport to process about 500 pilgrims expected to depart for the pilgrimage.

Olumide explained that the airport, which has already commenced commercial flight operations, is equipped with modern facilities capable of accommodating different categories of aircraft.

He added that security agencies would continue to advise the state government on additional measures required to ensure seamless Hajj operations.

Olumide further revealed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had earlier inspected and approved the airport for pilgrimage operations, while the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board was making arrangements to airlift pilgrims through the facility.

Also speaking, a representative of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Uyiekpen Asuen, confirmed that the airport meets the required operational standards and has received the necessary approvals to commence commercial flights.

He said the Gateway International Airport is among the 17 airports across the country designated for Hajj operations.

Culled from punch