The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has described the 2026 exercise as one of the most successful in the history of the board.

The board attributes the success to meticulous planning, effective coordination, and the commitment of stakeholders.

The Director-General of the board, Abubakar Ibrahim-Matawalle, disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano during a press briefing on the board’s achievements in the 2026 hajj operations.

He said the board provided hand luggage and official uniforms to all Kano pilgrims to ensure convenience and uniformity throughout the pilgrimage.

According to him, the board also renovated the Mosque at the Hajj Terminal of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, upgraded the hajj demonstration field and toilet facilities at the hajj Camp, and donated chairs and electric fans to improve pilgrims’ comfort before departure.

The director-general said each of the 3,611 pilgrims from Kano received 200 Saudi Riyals as financial support to cover immediate expenses upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

He added that the board donated four uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport Command to enhance efficient immigration services during hajj operations.

Mr Ibrahim-Matawalle noted that with the support of ASIA Group of Companies, detergent and toothpaste were distributed free of charge to all Kano pilgrims.

He said shuttle buses were also provided to convey pilgrims between their accommodation and the Holy Mosque, Al-Haram, in Makkah for the five daily prayers.

The director-general said the board, in collaboration with relevant health authorities, ensured uninterrupted medical services for pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

He added that enhanced enlightenment and orientation programmes before departure for improved compliance with hajj regulations and promoted exemplary conduct among Kano pilgrims.

According to him, proper identification and documentation of pilgrims significantly reduced cases of missing pilgrims during movements between the holy sites.

Mr Ibrahim-Matawalle said the board effectively managed challenges relating to pilgrims’ luggage despite operational difficulties at Saudi airports.

He disclosed that about 30 pieces of luggage left behind in accommodations and more than 100 pieces of abandoned main and hand luggage at Saudi airports were recovered.

“An international cargo operator was engaged to transport all recovered luggage back to Kano for distribution to their rightful owners,” he said.

The director-general said the board maintained close collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), airlines, Saudi authorities, and other service providers to ensure smooth operations throughout the exercise.

In a related development, Mr Ibrahim-Matawalle said that the board would soon announce the official tentative deposit for intending pilgrims for the 2027 hajj.

“We are making adequate preparations to ensure intending pilgrims receive accurate information at the appropriate time,” the DG said.

He appreciated Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf for his support and commitment to the welfare of Kano pilgrims, as well as NAHCON, Saudi authorities, security agencies, healthcare personnel, volunteers, and board members for their contributions to the success of the exercise.

Mr Ibrahim-Matawalle also commended the pilgrims for their discipline, patience, and cooperation, saying their conduct reflected the values and dignity of Kano State.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to improving service delivery and leveraging lessons from the 2026 hajj to ensure better welfare services in future pilgrimages. 

(NAN)