Kano Governor Engages Airline to Expedite Pilgrims’ Return from Saudi Arabia
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has commenced discussions with the management of Max Air to ensure the swift and safe return of Kano pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The governor disclosed this during a meeting with Kano pilgrims and Hajj officials in Makkah as part of his Eid-el-Kabir visit to extend festive greetings and assess their welfare.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Mustapha Muhammad, Head of the Media Team for Hajj Operation 2026, Governor Yusuf said he was personally engaging the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, to accelerate arrangements for the evacuation of pilgrims back to Nigeria.
He assured the pilgrims that efforts were underway to ensure their timely return and expressed confidence that the airline would intensify measures to facilitate a smooth airlift operation.
Governor Yusuf also revealed that he had personally inspected the catering services provided to Kano pilgrims. He said he visited the service provider to assess the quality of meals and beverages being supplied.
“I have personally tested the food being served, and it is the same food I have been eating since my arrival here. It is the same food you are being served,” he told the gathering.
Earlier, the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, informed the governor that Kano pilgrims had successfully completed their Hajj rites and expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He commended the state government for various welfare interventions, including the distribution of a 200 Saudi Riyal stipend to each pilgrim, quality feeding arrangements and transportation services.
The Director General of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, briefed the governor on the operation, highlighting ongoing efforts to address documentation challenges and ensure pilgrims return home with their luggage intact.
Governor Yusuf is expected to return to Kano after concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia.
