Ogun pilgrims 2026 Hajj arrival marked as first batch lands in Saudi Arabia after historic inaugural international flight from Gateway Airport

The first batch of Muslim pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking a landmark moment in the state’s aviation and pilgrimage history.

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Pilgrims from Ogun State2026 Hajj arrival took place at King Abdulaziz International Airport at about 4:15 a.m. Nigerian time, following their departure from Gateway International Airport in Ogun State late on Sunday night.

The contingent, made up of 345 pilgrims including 151 men and 194 women, travelled alongside officials of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and were received on arrival by Saudi Hajj and airport authorities.

After completing immigration and security procedures, the pilgrims were transported by bus to their hotel accommodations in Medina, where they are expected to rest before commencing the main Hajj rites.

Their departure from Gateway International Airport also marked the first international flight from the newly commissioned facility, which was inaugurated on 4 April 2026 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during an official visit to the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun described the development as a historic achievement, noting that the non-stop international flight symbolised progress in infrastructure and economic connectivity for Ogun State.

He said the milestone reflects years of planning, coordination, and investment, adding that it positions the state as an emerging hub for global travel and commerce.

Officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commended the new airport facility, describing it as a major improvement that would ease logistical challenges and reduce travel time for pilgrims in the region.

Religious and traditional leaders also praised the initiative, highlighting its role in eliminating the need for pilgrims to travel long distances to Lagos before embarking on international flights.

The Amir Hajj for 2026 urged participants to maintain discipline and represent Nigeria positively throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

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For many of the pilgrims, the journey was described as historic and emotional, as they became the first group to depart for Hajj directly from Ogun State’s international airport.