Lagos Celebrates Successful 2025 Hajj As All 1,315 Pilgrims Return Safely.
The Lagos State Government has hailed the safe return of all 1,315 pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, marking the conclusion of what officials have described as an exceptionally smooth and hitch-free operation. The final batch of pilgrims touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, 22 June, bringing to an end a spiritually fulfilling journey for the state’s contingent.
The 2025 Hajj exercise, which saw over 1.6 million Muslims from 171 countries converge on Mecca, was lauded for its impeccable organisation and safety, with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reporting no incidents or overcrowding during the pilgrimage. For Lagos State, the operation was a triumph of meticulous planning and collaboration between the state government, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Saudi authorities.
The first batch of 423 pilgrims, comprising 179 males and 244 females, returned to Lagos on 17 June aboard a Flynas Airbus, with subsequent groups airlifted in batches to meet NAHCON’s deadline of 28 June. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2025 Hajj Central Working Committee, praised the state’s pilgrims for their exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage. “The pilgrims exhibited remarkable discipline, reflecting the spiritual essence of the Hajj in their actions,” he said.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, were commended for their unwavering support, which ensured top-tier accommodation and logistics for the pilgrims. The state secured some of the best tents in Mina and comfortable lodgings in Mecca, enhancing the pilgrims’ experience. The introduction of the Saudi ‘Hajj Pass’ initiative was also credited for streamlining access to holy sites and maintaining order in the sacred city.
Speaking on the success, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amir-ul-Hajj, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, urged the pilgrims—now conferred the titles of Alhaji and Alhaja—to embody the values of patience, humility, and unity learned during the Hajj. “This spiritual milestone is not just a title but a call to live out the principles of the pilgrimage in your daily lives, businesses, and communities,” Layode said.
The return operation, which began on 9 June, faced initial delays due to limited flight slots, as noted by NAHCON. However, Flynas, one of the designated air carriers, successfully transported over 61% of its allocated pilgrims back to Nigeria within a week, including all 1,315 from Lagos State by Sunday, 22 June. The airline operated flights from Lagos, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Abuja, ensuring a steady repatriation process.
Reflecting on the achievement, Jebe expressed gratitude to NAHCON, Saudi authorities, and the Lagos State government for their collaborative efforts. He highlighted the state’s commitment to improving future Hajj operations, noting that lessons from 2025 would raise the bar for 2026. “The seamless coordination and support from all stakeholders have set a new standard for Hajj operations in Lagos,” he added.
As the pilgrims reunite with their families, the Lagos State Government has called on them to continue praying for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, echoing the heartfelt supplications offered at the sacred plain of Arafah on 5 June. With the 2025 Hajj concluded without incident, attention now turns to preparations for 2026, with Saudi Arabia already releasing its Hajj calendar to ensure an even smoother experience.
