The first batch of 344 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has returned to Nigeria.
A statement by the Lagos state government said the pilgrims arrived in Lagos on Monday aboard Flynas flight XY9492, which departed Jeddah and landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 7:37 p.m. Nigerian time.
Officials of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board received the returnees at the airport following the successful completion of the religious exercise in the Holy Land.
Speaking after the arrival, the Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Committee, Prof. Kabir Paramole, who led other officials on the first return flight, expressed happiness over the safe journey back home.
He said the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage could not be overemphasised and prayed for the safe return of other Lagos pilgrims still awaiting airlift from Saudi Arabia.
According to the schedule released by the authorities, the second batch of 345 pilgrims is expected to depart Makkah on Wednesday, June 10, while the final return flight is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Medical Team Lead, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, commended the overall health condition of the Lagos pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
She described the health situation throughout the exercise as encouraging and impressive.
Speaking on the activities of the medical team, Dr. Erinosho explained that comprehensive medical screening was carried out in January 2026 for the 1,600 intending pilgrims from Lagos State.
According to her, the screening included blood pressure and blood sugar tests, as well as checks for tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B.
She added that pregnancy tests were also conducted for women of reproductive age between 16 and 50 years from April 30 to May 1, 2026, in line with the requirements of Saudi Arabian health authorities.
Dr. Erinosho further disclosed that pilgrims with serious health concerns were identified early and closely monitored to ensure they were medically fit for the pilgrimage.
She said the medical team also organised health awareness sessions during weekend lectures across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.
The sensitisation programmes, according to her, focused on proper hydration, regular use of face masks, and compliance with prescribed medications.
She noted that the Lagos medical team also worked with Port Health Services to ensure proper vaccination of the pilgrims before departure.
Dr. Erinosho stated that throughout the pilgrims’ stay in Madinah, Makkah, and Mina, the Lagos medical team collaborated with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, medical team to attend to emergencies, clinic visits, and referrals to hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
“During the pilgrims’ stay in Madinah, Makkah, and Mina, the Lagos medical team, in partnership with the NAHCON medical team, attended to emergencies, clinic visits, and referrals to Saudi Arabian hospitals,” Dr. Erinosho said.
She explained that affected pilgrims were properly monitored until discharge and continued to receive personalised medical attention in their hotel rooms where necessary.
The medical team lead added that pilgrims also had access to medications and consultations immediately after returning from Mina until their departure back to Nigeria.
She said the efforts of the medical personnel contributed significantly to the reduction of health-related challenges and the successful outcome of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Lagos pilgrims.
“These efforts greatly contributed to the reduction in health challenges and the overall success of the exercise,” Dr. Erinosho added.
Recall that DAILY POST had earlier reported in May 2026 that Lagos state government has announced that all 1,600 pilgrims from Lagos State have been successfully airlifted to Makkah for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
