The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured that it’s terminal is fully ready for 2025 Hajj operations as the airlift of Hajj air passengers commences on Friday, 9th May, 2025.
The authority on Thursday assured that Lagos airport Hajj terminal is well-prepared to handle the influx of pilgrims and provide a comfortable and secure experience for passengers.
In a tour around the Hajj terminal on Thursday, BusinessDay observed that the terminal has undergone significant renovations, with installations of new screening machines, cubicles for immigration, security personnel, and improved seating areas for pilgrims.
The terminal has separate waiting halls for males and females, each with a capacity of 3,000 pilgrims, and additional space for airline staff.
Adedayo Alale, the terminal manager, Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Muritala Muhammad International Airport, (MMIA) during the tour said the facilities being installed at the terminal include modern amenities such as air conditioning, LED displays, and CCTV cameras to monitor and ensure security across the terminal premises.
Alale said the terminal has implemented contactless processes, including automated machines and separate areas for different activities, to minimize interactions between pilgrims and staff.
“First and foremost, you can see the total refurbishment of the building under the leadership of Olubunmi Kuku. It is now I believe and realise that what a man can do, a woman can do better. She has proven to the whole world that she is capable of leading this organisation. I have been in this organisation for several years and we haven’t had such facelift on airport facilities.
“You can see we have phased out the old old screening machines and replaced them with modern ones and they are all working perfectly. We have installed several air conditions that would make the terminal conclusive for passengers while they await their flights.
“The terminal has a linguistics team that can communicate with pilgrims in different languages, including local languages, to ensure that everyone is informed and guided throughout the process,” he assured.
The terminal manager emphasised the importance of cooperation with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
Alale emphasised the importance of corporation with airlines to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Lagos Hajj airport terminal will be processing pilgrims from Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Edo and armed forces.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had officially closed registration for the 2025 Hajj, with the final deadline set for May 2.
This decision allows the commission to focus on the airlift of pilgrims, ensuring smooth logistics and adequate resources for their journey. NAHCON said any Hajj fare deposits received after the deadline will be refunded.
Hajia Fatima Usara, assistant director, Information and Publication Division, NAHCON, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to her, “Stoppage of further registration became necessary in order for the Commission to concentrate on airlifting pilgrims, with sufficient resources to ensure their comfort.
“Meanwhile, movement to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj commences from May 9,” she said.
It was learnt that pilgrims from Oyo State departed from Ibadan for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday as part of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The 36-man advance team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which departed Abuja on Monday night ahead of the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise, arrived in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday morning.
