ANTHONY OMOH writes on the dramatic transformation of the Lagos Hajj terminal under FAAN MD Olubunmi Kuku, ahead of Friday May 9, 2025, pilgrimage. The terminal is now poised to offer pilgrims dignity, comfort, and efficiency as they embark on their spiritual journey.

The once-neglected Hajj terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, has undergone a sweeping revival, emerging as a modern, pilgrim-centric facility thanks to the bold reforms initiated by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. The Lagos Hajj terminal transformation now represents not just an infrastructure upgrade but a total shift in service delivery, ambiance, and spiritual dignity.

Previously plagued by stifling heat, rancid smells, overcrowding, and insecurity, the Hajj terminal was infamous for offering pilgrims an unpleasant send-off to their spiritual journey. Today, it presents a completely different picture—a clean, orderly, and fully equipped terminal poised to support the seamless airlift of over 6,000 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Terminal Manager, Comrade Alele Adedayo, in an interview ahead of the 2025 Hajj operations starting, praised Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku’s leadership for enabling the transformation through proactive support, prompt approvals, and a “listening ear.”

“This is a complete rebirth of the terminal,” Adedayo said. “There was a time this place was an eyesore, with unbearable heat and unpleasant smells. Today, we have a facility that matches international standards, and it is all thanks to the foresight and support of our Managing Director, Mrs. Kuku.”

The terminal now boasts four premium Porsche-standard VIP lounges and four ensuite VVIP lounges—facilities never before available. This marks the first time pilgrims opting for premium services can wait in comfort and privacy, a move that has brought the terminal closer to global standards.

To foster spiritual and operational order, male and female pilgrims now have separate 150-seater each waiting areas. These are fully air-conditioned and strategically placed to reduce congestion and ensure gender-sensitive privacy. “We can now hold 3,000 male and 3,000 female pilgrims at once,” Adedayo explained. “That’s 6,000 people—something unimaginable here in the past.”

Perhaps most significant is the newly introduced free internet access throughout the terminal. This facility allows pilgrims to stay connected with their families and religious communities while waiting for their flights. With a new digital public address system connected to the network, announcements are now clearer and can be heard from any part of the terminal.

“The Wi-Fi is active and fast,” Adedayo confirmed. “Pilgrims can make calls, chat, or even livestream. Wherever they are seated, they’ll also hear every announcement clearly, so no one misses a boarding call.”

Comfort has been a major focus of the upgrade. The facility is now cooled by a total of 17 tons of air-conditioning units. These include a 5-ton unit at the main screening area to manage the intense heat during large passenger movements and two additional 5-ton units spread across the male and female waiting areas. The cooling system has drastically improved the indoor experience for pilgrims and staff alike.

“We’ve installed ACs everywhere,” Adedayo said. “From the screening halls to the lounges, everything is climate-controlled. You can walk in here any time of day, and it’s cool.”

Supporting this energy-intensive system is a new 500kVA soundproof generator that ensures uninterrupted power supply to all critical systems including lighting, air conditioning, screening machines, CCTV cameras, and internet infrastructure. The soundproofing alone represents a major improvement; in the past, the generator was so loud, it made communication nearly impossible during operations.

“You can hardly hear the generator running now,” he said. “Before, you couldn’t talk when it was on. This 500kVA unit powers everything—clean, quiet, and effective.”

The entire premises of the terminal have also received major cosmetic and structural upgrades. The once dusty and eroded grounds are now fully asphalted, giving the terminal a clean, professional look. Drainage has been improved, pedestrian paths outlined, and the general ambiance now offers dignity and visual appeal to arriving and departing pilgrims.

“The entire terminal grounds have been asphalted,” Adedayo proudly noted. “Before, it was just bare earth, full of dust and potholes. Now, the environment feels like a proper international departure terminal. The ambiance has changed forever.”

Operationally, the terminal is now better coordinated than ever before. It features two serviceable screening machines, five dedicated check-in counters, and separated screening sections for key regulatory agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

Each agency now has its designated area to prevent congestion and reduce confusion among pilgrims, many of whom may be first-time travelers unfamiliar with airport protocols. “Everyone knows where to go and what to do,” Adedayo explained. “Each unit does its job without overlapping. It’s a seamless process now.”

Security has also been enhanced through the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems that monitor every corner of the terminal—from entrances and exits to luggage areas and even restrooms. This is aimed at deterring illegal activities such as exploitation of inexperienced pilgrims and the smuggling of prohibited items.

“We never had this level of security before,” Adedayo stated. “Now, even in the toilet area, you’re on camera. Everything is recorded, and this gives both staff and pilgrims peace of mind.”

To aid compliance and prevent misunderstandings, prohibited items have been clearly listed and displayed using LED signage with pictorial representations—particularly helpful for illiterate pilgrims. Banned items like kola nuts, sharp objects, and powdered substances are clearly illustrated, ensuring everyone understands the rules.

“Even if you can’t read, you’ll see the picture,” he said. “Nobody can claim ignorance anymore.”

The spiritual welfare of the pilgrims has not been neglected. A fully air-conditioned mosque has been constructed within the terminal, tiled and fitted with ablution points, prayer rugs, and lighting that mimic the ambiance of holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

“When pilgrims enter the mosque, many say it feels like Saudi already,” Adedayo said with a smile. “It’s not just a structure—it’s a spiritual environment.”

Pilgrim welfare beyond spiritual support is also a core priority. New toilet and ablution facilities have been built, each separated by function—ablution area, toilet, and bath area—ensuring hygienic conditions for all users. Some lounges even double as rest zones for unwell or elderly pilgrims, complete with beds, air conditioning, televisions, and attached bathrooms.

“You can literally sleep, wake up, and go straight to your flight,” Adedayo explained. “If someone isn’t fit to travel yet, we give them a resting room. Everything is there, like a mini hotel.”

In terms of cleanliness and facility maintenance—one of the chronic weaknesses of public infrastructure in Nigeria—Adedayo offered assurances that this aspect has been covered under a sustainable model. The terminal has been assigned dedicated janitorial teams who operate round-the-clock to clean, restock supplies, and keep the facilities in pristine condition.

“We now have cleaners on ground 24/7,” he said. “They work in shifts—morning, afternoon, night. There’s always someone cleaning the toilets, wiping surfaces, and checking the bins. This terminal will not deteriorate.”

Feedback from key stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive. Delegates from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), tour operators, and international observers who recently toured the facility ahead of the airlift commended FAAN for what they called an “unprecedented transformation.”

“One of them said they thought they had already landed in Jeddah,” Adedayo recounted. “That’s how good the environment feels now. This is no longer a disgrace—it’s a national asset.”

He was quick to underline that all of this has only been possible because of the hands-on approach of FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.

“She listens, and she demands accountability,” Adedayo said. “No proposal goes through without scrutiny. If you can defend what you want and explain how it benefits the pilgrims or operations, she will support you completely. That’s leadership.”

With the first batch of pilgrims set to depart for the Holy Land, the terminal stands ready—not just structurally, but spiritually and logistically—for what is arguably the most sacred journey many of these Nigerians will ever undertake.

The Lagos Hajj terminal transformation under Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku’s watch has not only improved the facility’s physical outlook but has reset the standard for how spiritual infrastructure should be managed in Nigeria—comfortably, securely, and with the dignity the pilgrims deserve.