Kano govt sets date for airlift of 2026 Hajj pilgrims

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced 13 May 2026 as the date for the commencement of airlifting intending pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The statement was signed by Sulaiman A. Dederi, Public Relations Officer of the Board, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.

The Director-General of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed this during a visit to the Kano State House of Assembly, in line with the official airlift timetable released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Matawalle said the Board had concluded all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth take-off of the airlift operations.

He noted that it has become a tradition for the Board to formally brief the House, particularly the House Committee on Hajj, ahead of the commencement of flights to guarantee transparency and proper coordination.

According to him, the Board is fully prepared to deliver a hitch-free and successful Hajj exercise, assuring stakeholders that he would deploy his wealth of experience and introduce new strategies to enhance service delivery for Kano pilgrims.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and member of the House Committee on Hajj, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, congratulated the Director-General on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved.

He pledged the Assembly’s continued support and collaboration with the Board to achieve a seamless Hajj operation.

In a related development, Matawalle also paid a courtesy visit to the Protocol Section of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kano Office, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration ahead of the pilgrimage.

During the visit, the Director-General emphasised the importance of cordial and effective working relationships between the Board and all relevant authorities and security agencies involved in Hajj operations.

Responding, the Head of the Protocol Section, Alhaji Nu’uman Nuhu Bamalli, commended the initiative and assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support, noting that leadership anchored on professionalism and consultation would yield positive results.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, safety and spiritual fulfilment of all intending pilgrims from Kano State during the 2026 Hajj exercise.