Kano Declares 2026 Hajj Among Most Successful Operations in Board’s History
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has described the 2026 Hajj operation as one of the most successful exercises in its history, citing major achievements in pilgrim welfare, transportation and service delivery.
The Director-General of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, announced the assessment while briefing journalists on the outcome of this year’s pilgrimage.
Matawalle said the board successfully transported all 3,611 pilgrims from Kano State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and returned every one of them home safely, describing the exercise as a major operational milestone.
He disclosed that the board provided each pilgrim with a subsidy of 200 Saudi Riyals to reduce personal expenses after arriving in the Kingdom, adding that the initiative eased the financial burden on pilgrims during their stay.
Kano Declares 2026 Hajj Among Most Successful Operations in Board’s History
According to him, the board also deployed buses to transport pilgrims between their accommodation and the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the pilgrimage.
He added that the agency upgraded facilities at the Pilgrims Transit Camp located at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, including repairs to the mosque and other essential infrastructure, to improve services for intending pilgrims.
Matawalle further revealed that the board recovered more than 130 items inadvertently left behind by Kano pilgrims at Saudi airports. He said officials retrieved the belongings before returning them to Kano, where they will be handed over to their rightful owners.
The Director-General attributed the success of the operation to effective planning, teamwork and the support of key stakeholders.
He commended the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing the necessary backing that enabled the board to execute a smooth Hajj operation.
Matawalle also expressed appreciation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saudi authorities and other stakeholders for their cooperation and contributions, saying their collective efforts ensured the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Kano pilgrims.
