The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Ogun State Command and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have pledged stronger collaboration with the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, OGMPWB, as preparations intensify for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The commitments were made during separate engagements between the agencies and the management of the Pilgrims Board in Abeokuta, where stakeholders emphasised the importance of early planning, effective coordination and adequate sensitisation of intending pilgrims.
The Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, Ganiyu Oladele, reaffirmed the NIS’s readiness to sustain a productive partnership with the Board, while receiving its delegation, led by the Executive Secretary, Taiwo Ajibola, at the command’s headquarters in Oke-Mosan.
Oladele, assured intending pilgrims that the command would prioritise timely passport processing in line with the requirements and timelines for the 2027 Hajj operations, stressed that early preparation and collaboration among relevant stakeholders were essential to preventing avoidable challenges during the pilgrimage.
He commended the OGMPWB for its efforts in coordinating pilgrims and pledged the Immigration Service’s continued support through improved communication, early planning and enhanced services.
Responding, Ajibola, described the NIS as a key partner in Hajj administration, appreciating the command’s support over the years.
He called for a more sustainable partnership that would improve information sharing, simplify passport documentation processes and enhance services for prospective pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sensitising intending pilgrims on the importance of securing valid travel documents well ahead of the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Command of the NDLEA has also promised to strengthen its partnership with the Pilgrims Board by providing education and guidance to intending pilgrims on the dangers and legal consequences of illicit drug trafficking.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Commander Tijani Rabe, gave the assurance while receiving the Pilgrims Board delegation in Abeokuta, describing the collaboration as crucial to ensuring that pilgrims understood drug-related offences under Nigerian and Saudi Arabian laws.
Rabe, warned intending pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could expose them to legal consequences or damage Nigeria’s reputation during international engagements.
He assured the Board that the agency would continue to deploy capable personnel to educate pilgrims on drug-related issues and the need to comply with relevant regulations.
In his response, Ajibola commended the NDLEA for its continued support and commitment to pilgrims’ education, noting that preparations for the 2027 Hajj had already commenced.
He urged the Agency to remain actively involved in the planning process to ensure that pilgrims receive adequate guidance before departure.
“As a major stakeholder in Hajj operations, it is important that NDLEA is fully integrated into our preparations and continues to engage our pilgrims on drug-related issues,” Ajibola said.
