Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun says the state-owned Gateway Air is ready to airlift Ogun pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the forthcoming Hajj exercise, and expressed readiness to explore transporting pilgrims from other South-West states under the emerging private-sector-driven Hajj arrangement. He spoke while receiving a NAHCON delegation led by Commissioner of Operations Prince Anofiu Elegushi, saying the state is interested in chartering aircraft under the Gateway Air brand to fly pilgrims directly from Gateway International Airport to Saudi Arabia, and would consider a proposal for South-West states to establish a joint company - similar to the Oodua Investment structure - to coordinate Hajj operations.
Earlier, Elegushi said registration for the forthcoming Hajj had commenced with the deadline to be extended, noting early registration helps Saudi authorities obtain accurate figures: Nigeria's Hajj quota has declined from about 95,000 pilgrims to 50,000 - 10,000 slots to tour operators and 40,000 shared among states - part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 push for greater private-sector participation and digitalization.
Saudi requires any independently operating company to have a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims, which individual South-West states may struggle to meet, hence the regional pooling proposal. Payment closes December 2, 2026, with airlift expected around end of April/early May, and new health policies require pilgrims to be screened for nine specified diseases before clearance.
