Ogun Explains Diversion of Hajj Pilgrims to Lagos

The Ogun State Government has moved to dispel rumors and clarify the circumstances surrounding the temporary relocation of a batch of Hajj pilgrims from the newly commissioned Gateway International Airport to Lagos. Reports suggesting the airport was shunned by airlines and left pilgrims stranded have been vehemently denied by state officials. Instead, the government insists that the move was a necessary logistical adjustment necessitated by unforeseen flight scheduling complications involving Saudi aviation authorities.

According to a statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the core issue was the inability of Saudi authorities to allocate a landing slot for Max Air, the Nigerian airline contracted for operations from the Gateway International Airport. This, coupled with late notification from the Saudi side, compelled the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reroute the affected pilgrims to Lagos to prevent any disruption to the Hajj schedule. The government stressed that the airport itself remains fully certified and operational, highlighting the successful departure of the first batch of pilgrims as a testament to its capabilities.

“

The relocation of the second batch of pilgrims from Gateway International Airport was not due to any safety, operational, or infrastructural challenge at the facility.

From Ogun State's perspective, the Gateway International Airport represents a significant milestone, poised to boost Nigeria's aviation sector and Hajj logistics. The government views the current situation not as a failure of the airport, but as a temporary hiccup in international coordination. The emphasis remains on the airport's modern infrastructure and its compliance with international aviation standards, underscoring the state's commitment to developing world-class facilities. This incident, while inconvenient, is framed as a minor challenge in the grander narrative of establishing a vital new gateway for international travel and religious pilgrimg.

“

It resulted from the inability of Saudi aviation authorities to secure a landing slot for Nigeria’s designated carrier, Max Air, which had been engaged by NAHCON for Gateway International Airport operations, thereby necessitating an adjustment in flight arrangements.