NAHCON Commends Kebbi’s Readiness for 2026 Hajj Airlift After Inspection Tour
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.
A delegation from the Commission, led by National Commissioner Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, conducted an inspection visit to the state to assess arrangements for the forthcoming airlift of intending pilgrims.
The team described the agency’s preparations as commendable and aligned with operational expectations.
Speaking during the visit, Bin Uthman praised the Chairman of the agency, Faruk Yaro Enabo, noting that Kebbi State was fortunate to have experienced stewardship at a critical time in the Hajj planning cycle.
Another member of the delegation, Mustapha Ahmad, confirmed that preparations nationwide were progressing on schedule, adding that the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on May 2, 2026, with Kebbi pilgrims slated to be among the early arrivals.
In his remarks, Enabo expressed appreciation to the NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, for the oversight visit, attributing the agency’s performance to the support of Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and seamless movement of pilgrims.
The chairman further disclosed that Kebbi State is expected to record one of the highest pilgrim contingents for the 2026 exercise, assuring that all logistics for airlift operations have been finalized.
As part of the visit, the NAHCON delegation inspected key facilities, including the Kauran Gwandu Hajj Camp and Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, where they were briefed on operational readiness and infrastructure in place to support the exercise.
The inspection forms part of NAHCON’s nationwide assessment of states’ readiness to ensure a smooth and hitch-free 2026 Hajj operation.
