Kano Pilgrims Set for May 14 Airlift as 2026 Hajj Preparations Peak
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced May 14, 2026 as the official commencement date for the first batch of pilgrims departing for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, made this known during the closing ceremony of the Hajj Induction Course held at the School for Arabic Studies in Kano. He explained that the date aligns with the schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, with Max Air designated as the official carrier for Kano pilgrims.
Matawalle assured that the Board has finalized all necessary logistics and arrangements ahead of time to ensure a seamless and successful airlift operation for intending pilgrims.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan, urged pilgrims to continuously study their induction materials at home to better understand the rites and expectations of the pilgrimage. He also emphasized the importance of strict compliance with guidelines set by both Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities throughout the Hajj period.
The event featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders and service providers, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Hajj Tribunal, National Orientation Agency, Max Air, and Hisbah, all reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a smooth and secure pilgrimage exercise.