Ogun Strengthens Security Coordination for Hajj Flights at Gateway International Airport
The Ogun State Government and Federal Security Agencies have stepped up coordination to ensure seamless Hajj flight operations at Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Remo, ahead of this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Monday during a strategic security meeting involving representatives of the State Government and key 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, said the Airport has the necessary infrastructure, operational systems and management capacity required to successfully handle Hajj operations.
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 services.
Dairo noted that the Airport is a strategic component of the State Government’s economic development Agenda, adding that it is expected to enhance aviation connectivity and place 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 explained that the NCAA had earlier certified the Airport for domestic commercial flight operations after granting all necessary approvals, adding that the Agencies present at the meeting expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and operational capacity of the facility.
The Commissioner further assured that the State Government would provide all the required support to guarantee smooth operations for pilgrims and ensure the success of the exercise.
Dairo also disclosed 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, which has already commenced commercial flight operations, is equipped with modern aviation infrastructure capable of accommodating different categories of aircraft.
He explained that Security Agencies would advise the state Government on additional operational measures required to ensure successful 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 airport.
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 across the Country designated for Hajj operations.
Representatives of the participating security agencies also outlined their operational responsibilities and emphasised 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.
