2026 Hajj: Zamfara Set for Pilgrims Airlift Operation
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Zamfara State Government has concluded arrangements to commence the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise from the Zamfara International Airport.
The Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement.
He stated that the Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musa Mallaha, gave the assurance during a radio program, “Ciki da Gaskiya,” aired on Gamji Radio and Television
According to him, this indicates that operational readiness has reached an advanced stage in the state.
He said the airlift forms part of coordinated efforts to ensure a seamless pilgrimage process, with logistics, welfare packages and orientation programs already in place ahead of deployment.
Mallaha, however, confirmed that over 450 intending pilgrims from the state would not participate in this year’s exercise following a reduction in Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He explained that the quota adjustment, which affects multiple states, is a policy decision by Saudi authorities and remains beyond the control of the state government and the Hajj Commission.
Despite the development, the chairman assured that the commission has strengthened welfare provisions for those participating in the pilgrimage.
According to him, each pilgrim will be issued two large bags and one small bag, an upgrade from previous exercises where only one bag was provided for return luggage.
In addition, the commission has constituted a committee to conduct statewide sensitization and orientation on the proper observance of Hajj rites in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
The exercise will commence on April 14 and cover all 14 Local Government Areas of the state ahead of the official airlift.
Shaikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, who also serves as Chairman of the Ulama Consultative Council, chairs the committee.
Also speaking, Islamic scholar, Shaikh Malam Sa’idu Aliyu Maikwano, urged those affected by the slot reduction to accept the outcome in good faith, describing it as an act of divine decree.
He commended the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal and the Hajj Commission for what he described as effective management of the state’s Hajj operations.
