The Lagos government has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to increase its 2027 allocation to at least 2,500 slots.

The state said the increase was necessary to accommodate the growing number of intending pilgrims seeking to perform the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, according to a statement on Sunday by a spokeswoman, Sade Adebayo.

The commissioner for home affairs, Ibrahim Layode, made the appeal during an engagement with NAHCON’s pre-2027 hajj assessment team. The team was led by Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s commissioner of operations, inspectorate and licensing.

Mr Layode said the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 pilgrimage were inadequate to meet the state’s demand. He asked NAHCON to raise the allocation to at least 2,500 pilgrims.

 “Lagos has consistently performed well in Hajj operations,” Mr Layode said, noting the state’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.

He noted that Mr Elegushi, his predecessor, airlifted 3,661 Lagos pilgrims during the 2023 hajj before leaving office.

“Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the tempo. We airlifted 1,600 pilgrims in 2026 and project not less than 2,000 intending pilgrims for 2027. I, therefore, appeal to NAHCON to reconsider Lagos and allocate additional slots to us,” Mr Layode stated.

Mr Layode also raised concerns over the quality of services provided to Lagos pilgrims during the 2026 hajj, particularly facilities at Arafat. He described the tents and other facilities at the sacred site as substandard, saying they contributed to illnesses and complaints among pilgrims.

He said the Flynas aircraft were insufficiently spacious and had inadequate restroom facilities, causing considerable discomfort for Lagos pilgrims and appealed to NAHCON to approve clinic spaces in hotels occupied by state pilgrims during Hajj operations.

He said these clinics would enable state medical teams to provide first aid and treat minor ailments without adding pressure on NAHCON clinics. According to him, the arrangement would also reduce unnecessary pressure on hospitals in Saudi Arabia by allowing state medical teams to handle minor cases.