The Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to the Lagos State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, has praised improvements in Hajj administration linked to reforms introduced during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State.
Jebe made the remarks in an interview on Wednesday in Makkah, noting that the foundations laid at the time have continued to shape the conduct of Hajj operations from the state.
He also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining and building on those reforms, while consistently supporting pilgrims from Lagos State.
According to him, meaningful progress in Lagos Hajj management cannot be discussed without acknowledging Tinubu’s earlier interventions as governor.
He explained that although the Lagos State Muslim Welfare Board was established in 1975, pilgrims were previously processed through agents until 1999, when Tinubu changed the system by routing participation through local government structures.
Jebe added that the former governor also introduced religious scholars (ulama) to educate and guide pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.
He further stated that Tinubu initiated welfare measures such as providing sacrificial rams for Lagos pilgrims and ensuring adequate meals for them on the Day of Arafat.
He noted that successive administrations, including that of Sanwo-Olu, have maintained and expanded these initiatives.
“Sanwo-Olu has further improved the system by upgrading accommodation from standard tent categories to higher comfort levels for pilgrims,” he said.
Jebe also highlighted that additional support packages introduced by the state government have made the pilgrimage more comfortable for participants.
He commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for maintaining strong coordination with state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
He described the relationship as effective and cooperative, noting that states operate under NAHCON’s coordination framework as the central authority for Hajj administration in Nigeria.