Gateway Air ready to airlift Hajj pilgrims — Gov Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun announced on Friday that Gateway Air, the state-owned airline, is prepared to airlift not only Ogun pilgrims but also those from other South-West states to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The Governor expressed the state's intention to participate in the emerging private-sector-driven Hajj airlift arrangement for pilgrims from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states.

Abiodun commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its support during the last Hajj exercise and emphasized the state's interest in chartering its own aircraft under the Gateway Air brand for efficient and direct airlift of its pilgrims. He highlighted the Ogun state's investment in building a world-class airport and airline, demonstrating their ability to organize and execute Hajj operations efficiently.

The Ogun Governor also welcomed NAHCON's suggestion of establishing a single South-West body, similar to the Oodua Investment structure, to represent the participating states and coordinate Hajj operations. NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, revealed that the commission had started registering intending pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj exercise, which would be extended to accommodate more applicants.

Elegushi explained that Saudi Arabia's shift towards private-sector participation and digitalization influenced the reduced number of Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria and individual states. He encouraged the states to consider privatization and compete as private operators in the Hajj market.