The Ogun State Government has begun collaboration with federal security agencies to ensure smooth Hajj flight operations at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo.
The move followed a strategic security meeting held on Monday between officials of the state government and representatives of major airport security agencies at the facility located in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, said the airport possesses the required infrastructure, facilities and management capacity to handle Hajj operations. He added that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority had already recognised the airport for the purpose.
Dairo explained that the airport forms a major component of the state government’s economic development plan and has placed Ogun State on the global aviation map.
He affirmed that the airport was fully prepared for Hajj operations, noting that the NCAA had already certified the facility for domestic commercial flights after granting the necessary approvals.
“The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year. Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of State Services and the NCAA are here to outline the minimum requirements for a successful operation and assess the facilities available at the airport,” he said.
According to him, the agencies expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and management capacity available to support the operations.
“We have assured them that the state government is ready to provide everything required to ensure seamless operations for pilgrims and for the benefit of the state and the country,” he added.
Dairo also disclosed that the state government plans to establish a temporary camp where about 500 pilgrims will be processed ahead of their departure for the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Also speaking, the Consultant to the Gateway International Airport, Dapo Olumide, said the airport had already commenced commercial flight operations and was equipped with modern facilities capable of handling different categories of aircraft.
Olumide noted that security agencies would further advise the state government on additional measures required to guarantee successful Hajj operations.
He explained that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had earlier approved the airport for Hajj operations after inspecting its facilities, while the Ogun State Muslim Welfare Board had begun arrangements to airlift pilgrims to the Holy Land through the airport.
An official of the NCAA, Uyiekpen Asuen, confirmed that the airport meets the required operational standards and has received the necessary permits to commence commercial flights.
He added that the facility is among the 17 airports across the country designated for Hajj operations.
Representatives of security agencies at the meeting also outlined their operational requirements and stressed the importance of strong collaboration among agencies to ensure seamless Hajj 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.
