As part of preparations for the airlifting of Muslim pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj to Saudi Arabia, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN has upgraded Facilities at the Pilgrims/Cargo Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport MMIA Lagos.
The Hajj operations is expected to begin on Friday May 9th, 2025, there are new scanning machines and walk through metal detectors, cubicles, for personal of Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Aviation security personnel as well as other agencies involved in the processing of pilgrims.
FAAN’s Pilgrims/Cargo Manager Adedayo Alale while speaking after a tour of facilities at the Hajj Camp Terminal said the authority carried out a facelift of the terminal in order to give pilgrims the needed comfort, and stressed that with split amenities for male, female and other categories, it could accommodate over 6,000 pilgrims.
Alale noted that apart from screening facilities, signages have been installed at the terminal to enlighten the pilgrims on the list of prohibited items and other protocols expected of them before they depart to Saudi.
He disclosed that facilities installed at the terminal include modern amenities such as air conditioning, LED displays, and CCTV cameras to monitor and ensure security across the terminal premises.
Alale also disclosed the terminal has implemented contactless processes,including automated machines and separate areas for different activities to minimise interactions between pilgrims and staff.
He said “First and foremost, you can see the total refurbishment of the building under the leadership of Olubunmi Kuku. It is now I believe and realise that what a man can do, a woman can do better. She has proven to the whole world that she is capable of leading this organisation. I have been in this organisation for several years and we haven’t had such facelift on airport facilities.
“You can see we have phased out the old old screening machines and replaced them with modern ones and they are all working perfectly. We have installed several air conditions that would make the terminal conclusive for passengers while they await their flights.
“The terminal has a linguistics team that can communicate with pilgrims in different languages, including local languages, to ensure that everyone is informed and guided throughout the process,” he assured.
Alale emphasised the importance of cooperation with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
He further said : ” As you can see , everywhere we are prepared for this year’s hajj. We are 100 percent ready as far as operations are concerned.The entire facility has been refurbished under the new leadership in FAAN . Now I believe whatever a man can do, even a woman will do better”
“The new management has proven to the world that there is capacity to deliver . The equipment profile in place in terms of air conditioners , screening machines is top notch. The standard of the facilities have improved. “
