NIS, NDLEA Strengthen Ogun Hajj Partnership

Ganiyu Oladele, assured intending pilgrims of the command’s readiness to facilitate timely passport processing in line with the requirements and timelines for the 2027 pilgrimage.

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) ahead of the 2027 Hajj.

The commitments were made during separate meetings between the agencies and the management of the Pilgrims Board in Abeokuta, where stakeholders stressed the need for early planning, effective coordination and adequate sensitisation of intending pilgrims.

Receiving the Board’s delegation, led by its Executive Secretary, Taiwo Ajibola, at the NIS headquarters in Oke-Mosan, the Ogun State Comptroller of Immigration, Ganiyu Oladele, assured intending pilgrims of the command’s readiness to facilitate timely passport processing in line with the requirements and timelines for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Oladele said early preparation and collaboration among relevant stakeholders were critical to avoiding unnecessary challenges during the Hajj exercise.

He commended the Board for its efforts in coordinating pilgrims and pledged continued support through improved communication, early planning and enhanced services.

In his response, Ajibola described the NIS as a key partner in Hajj administration and called for a more sustainable partnership to improve information sharing, simplify passport documentation and enhance services for prospective pilgrims.

He also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sensitising intending pilgrims on the need to obtain valid travel documents well ahead of the pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Command of the NDLEA has also pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Board by providing education and guidance to intending pilgrims on the dangers and legal consequences of illicit drug trafficking.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Tijani Rabe, gave the assurance while receiving the Board’s delegation in Abeokuta.

Rabe described the collaboration as crucial to ensuring that intending pilgrims understand drug-related offences under Nigerian and Saudi Arabian laws.

He urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could expose them to legal consequences or tarnish Nigeria’s image during the international pilgrimage.

The commander assured the Board that the agency would continue to deploy qualified personnel to educate pilgrims on drug-related offences and the need to comply with relevant regulations.

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 intending 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.