FAAN overhauls facilities at Hajj terminal as pilgrims' airlift begins
Aviation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has upgraded facilities for processing Muslim pilgrims’ preparing for the 2025 Hajj to Saudi Arabia at the dedicated Pilgrims /Cargo Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Ahead of the 2025 Hajj which begins Friday May 9, new scanning machines and walk through metal detectors , cubicles , for personnel of Nigeria Immigration Service , Department of State Services, Aviation Security Personnel and other agencies involved in the processing of pilgrims have been installed and fitted with the relevant equipment to make way for the comfort and welfare of intending pilgrims.
Speaking after a tour of facilities at the Hajj Camp Terminal, FAAN’s Pilgrims / Cargo Manager, Adedayo Alale said the authority carried a facelift of the terminal to give pilgrims the feel of what they will get in their destination, affirming that the facility with split amenities for male, female and other categories could accommodate over 6, 000 pilgrims.
Besides the screening facilities, Alale said 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 board their flight to the Holy Land.
Alale listed the facilities being installed at the terminal to include modern amenities such as air conditioning, LED displays, and CCTV cameras to monitor and ensure security across the terminal premises.
Alale said the terminal has implemented contactless processes, including automated machines and separate areas for different activities, to minimize interactions between pilgrims and staff.
“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.
The terminal manager 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. “