The Ogun State Government and Federal Security Agencies have intensified coordination efforts to ensure smooth Hajj flight operations at Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, ahead of this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The renewed commitment emerged on Monday during a strategic security meeting between officials of the State Government and representatives of major security and regulatory Agencies at the Airport located in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, stated that the airport possesses the necessary infrastructure, operational systems and management capacity required to handle Hajj operations successfully.
According to him, the facility has already received recognition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), positioning it as a viable hub for both domestic and International aviation activities.
Dairo explained that the Airport is a strategic component of the State Government’s broader economic development plan and is expected to boost aviation connectivity while placing Ogun State prominently on the global aviation map.
“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year. Representatives of relevant agencies are here to outline the minimum operational requirements and assess the available facilities to ensure a successful exercise,” he said.
He noted that the NCAA had previously certified the airport for domestic commercial flight operations after granting the necessary approvals, adding that the visiting Agencies expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructure and operational readiness at the facility.
The Commissioner further assured that the State Government would provide all required support to guarantee seamless operations for pilgrims and ensure the success of the exercise.
Dairo also revealed that a temporary processing camp would be established to handle documentation and screening for about 500 pilgrims expected to depart from the airport for the pilgrimage.
Also speaking, the Consultant to Gateway International Airport, Dapo Olumide, said the airport has already commenced commercial flight services and is equipped with modern aviation infrastructure capable of accommodating various aircraft categories.
He explained that the security agencies present at the meeting would advise the State Government on additional operational measures required to ensure effective Hajj operations.
Olumide added that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had earlier inspected and approved the airport for Hajj operations, while the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board is currently making arrangements to airlift intending pilgrims through the facility.
In his remarks, Uyiekpen Asuen of the NCAA confirmed that the airport meets the required operational standards and has received the necessary permits to commence commercial flights.
He disclosed that Gateway International Airport is among the 17 Airports Nationwide designated for Hajj operations.
Representatives of participating Security Agencies also outlined their operational responsibilities and stressed the need for strong inter-agency collaboration to ensure safe and efficient Hajj flight operations.
Agencies represented at the meeting included the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Fire Service, Department of State Services, Port Health Services and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health.
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