Kano Fixes May 13 for First 2026 Hajj Airlift, DG Assures Smooth Exercise
The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has announced May 13, 2026 as the date for the first airlift of Kano State pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The announcement was made during a visit to the Kano State House of Assembly, in line with the official airlift timetable released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the Director General informed lawmakers that all necessary preparations for intending pilgrims in the state have been concluded.
Alhaji Matawalle explained that it is a longstanding tradition for the Board to brief the Honourable House—particularly the House Committee on Hajj—before the commencement of airlift operations to ensure transparency and adherence to schedule.
He assured stakeholders that he would deploy his experience and introduce new strategies to guarantee a hitch-free and successful Hajj operation for Kano pilgrims this year.
Earlier, the Deputy Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and member of the House Committee on Hajj, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, congratulated the Director General on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved. He pledged the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with the Board to achieve a smooth Hajj exercise.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
In a related development, the Director General paid a courtesy visit to the Protocol Section of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kano Office as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with relevant authorities and security agencies.
During the visit, Alhaji Matawalle stressed the importance of maintaining cordial and effective working relationships among all agencies involved in Hajj operations.
Responding, the Head of the Protocol Section, Alhaji Nu’uman Nuhu Bamalli, appreciated the visit and assured the Board of the Ministry’s support, noting that leadership anchored on professionalism and consultation is positioned for success.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of all intending pilgrims from the state during the 2026 Hajj exercise.