Hon Iyepe set for Hajj 2026 with 340 pilgrims, promises efficient service

* Confirms visa and ticket readiness as airlift begins May 11

Renowned Islamic scholar, preacher, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Hon. Dr. Abdulhakeem AbdulLateef, popularly known as Hon Iyepe, has announced comprehensive preparations for the 2026 Hajj, with his organisation coordinating the movement, welfare, and spiritual guidance of 340 pilgrims, including 90 from the diaspora.

Speaking exclusively with Muslim News on Wednesday, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and ex Amirul Hajj for Lagos State said the operation reflects months of structured planning, religious orientation, and strict compliance with regulatory frameworks issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities.

Our correspondent gathered that the operation, which has grown in scope this year, is built on an integrated system covering training, health, logistics, accommodation, and spiritual development to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience.

…Trains pilgrims on rites, discipline, and compliance ahead of 2026 journey

Hon AbdulLateef explained that preparation for the 2026 exercise began with a five month intensive education programme designed to ground pilgrims in the fundamentals of Hajj rites, Islamic jurisprudence, and practical conduct during the pilgrimage.

According to him, the programme was not only theoretical but also interactive, covering spiritual purification, behavioural discipline, and compliance with both Nigerian and Saudi Hajj regulations.

He further disclosed that an examination was conducted on Sunday, May 3, 2026, as a way of assessing readiness and ensuring proper understanding among participants.

“In terms of preparation, we ran a five months education programme for all our pilgrims on all relevant topics in Islam. We conducted an examination for our pilgrims on Sunday, May 3, 2026 and all the pilgrims who sat for the examination scored above 50 percent. Not a single pilgrim failed,” he said.

He added that the success rate reflects both commitment from the pilgrims and the seriousness of the training structure, which he described as essential for avoiding confusion during the rites in Makkah and Madinah.

...Assures seamless pilgrim management with medical clearance

The respected Muslim scholar further revealed that all pilgrims have undergone full medical screening, while vaccination exercises are scheduled to be administered by the Port Health Authority before departure.

He noted that health preparedness is a critical part of Hajj operations, especially given the physical demands of the pilgrimage and the large gatherings involved.

To enhance coordination, he said the 340 pilgrims have been divided into about 30 smaller groups, each with designated group leaders responsible for communication, welfare monitoring, and movement control.

“We have divided the 340 pilgrims into smaller groups for ease of coordination. All medical tests have been done and the vaccination of all our pilgrims will hold next Saturday to be administered by the Port Health Authority,” he said.

He also confirmed that a central working committee has been established alongside a volunteer corps drawn from among the pilgrims, with responsibilities spanning medical care, welfare services, transportation, accommodation, media coordination, and religious guidance.

…Confirms full visa, ticket readiness as Hajj airlift begins May 11

Hon AbdulLateef disclosed that all Hajj visas and flight tickets have been fully secured, with airlift operations scheduled to commence on Monday, May 11, 2026 in multiple batches using Qatar Airways, Egypt Air, and Emirates Airline.

He said the staggered departure arrangement was designed to reduce congestion, ensure orderliness, and allow smooth settlement of pilgrims upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

“The first batch of pilgrims will depart with Qatar Airways on the morning of May 11 in shaa Allah. The second batch will depart with Egypt Airways in the afternoon of May 11, 2026. The third and fourth batches will depart with Qatar Airways on the morning of May 14 2026. The fifth batch will depart with Qatar Airways on May 15, 2026 while the sixth batch will depart with Emirates Airline in the afternoon of May 15 2026,” he explained.

He added that 90 pilgrims from the diaspora will join the group in Madinah, making the operation a transnational coordination effort.

…Partnerships key to managing restricted Hajj allocations

The former NDIC chairman explained that due to regulatory limits placed on private Hajj operators, his organisation partnered with licensed tour operators to accommodate all pilgrims under his care.

He described the collaboration as necessary and strategic, ensuring that no pilgrim is left behind despite quota restrictions imposed on private operators.

“This year, no private company was given more than 69 slots. What we did was to collaborate and partner with well established licensed tour operators to accommodate our pilgrims so they can perform Hajj as prescribed by Allah and practised by Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” he said.

He reaffirmed full compliance with NAHCON guidelines and Saudi operational requirements, including digital registration through the Nusuk platform, allocation of Rawdah visitation slots, and strict adherence to crowd control systems.

…Says 340 pilgrims is a divine test, not a burden

Hon AbdulLateef noted that managing 340 pilgrims is modest compared to his past experience as Amirul Hajj for Lagos State where he once led over 4,000 pilgrims in successful hajj operations, often managing welfare, training, and logistics

He recalled that under his leadership, Lagos State was recognised as the most outstanding state in Hajj operations in Nigeria, winning seven out of eight national awards from NAHCON.

“Generally we see 340 pilgrims as a great trial from Allah. It is not easy to coordinate 50 pilgrims not to even talk of 340. However, I have once taken over 4,000 pilgrims to Hajj when I was Amirul Hajj for Lagos State,” he said.

He added that the experience gained from years of public service, including his roles as Board Member and Chairman of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has strengthened his capacity for large scale coordination.

...Prioritises ease for pilgrims over scale in Hajj operations

Hon AbdulLateef said his entry into Hajj and Umrah operations was initially approached with caution due to the volatility of the sector and reputational concerns, but he later embraced it as an act of worship and service to humanity.

He explained that policy changes by Saudi authorities often affect operations, making the industry highly sensitive and demanding.

“My organisation is the youngest not the largest. We do not want to be the largest. We just wish to make Hajj performance easy for as many pilgrims as possible,” he said.

He added that his ultimate aspiration is spiritual, stating that the goal of his service is to attain Allah’s mercy and to enter paradise through the gate of Hajj.

…Backs Saudi “No Hajj Without Permit” policy for safety and order

He expressed strong support for Saudi Arabia’s “No Hajj Without Permit” policy, describing it as an important reform that enhances safety, prevents overcrowding, and ensures orderly movement of pilgrims.

“I fully support the policy because it helps to prevent stampede and enhances smooth movement of pilgrims,” he said.

He added that all pilgrims under his coordination have been registered on the Nusuk application and have selected designated time slots for sacred rites to ensure convenience and compliance.

…calls for ethical conduct and fear of Allah in Hajj service delivery

Hon AbdulLateef urged pilgrims, officials, and stakeholders to approach Hajj with sincerity, discipline, and fear of Allah, stressing that service in any capacity should be guided by accountability and spiritual consciousness.

He advised that all actions should align with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), noting that the essence of Hajj goes beyond logistics to spiritual purification and divine acceptance.

“Whenever you are given the opportunity to serve, serve well because whatever you do today will come back to you tomorrow as reward or punishment,” he said.

He prayed for divine assistance for all pilgrims, asking Allah to make the 2026 Hajj easy, acceptable, and spiritually rewarding for all participants.

MEET OUR DISTINGUISHED PILGRIMS