Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has initiated discussions with the management of Max Air to facilitate the swift and safe return of Kano pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He disclosed this during a Sallah visit to Kano pilgrims and Hajj officials in Makkah, where he extended festive greetings and assessed the welfare of the pilgrims after arriving in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mustapha Muhammad, Head of the Media Team for Hajj Operation 2026, Governor Yusuf is currently engaging the Chief Executive Officer of Max Air, Dahiru Barau Mangal, on measures to expedite arrangements for the timely evacuation of pilgrims back to Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, the governor assured the pilgrims that he would personally liaise with the airline’s management to ensure that all necessary efforts are made to facilitate their prompt return home.
Governor Yusuf also revealed that he had personally visited the catering company responsible for providing meals and refreshments to the pilgrims in order to assess the quality of services being rendered.
“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 said.
Earlier, the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, informed the governor that Kano pilgrims had completed their Hajj rites and expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He commended the governor for his support and commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims, citing the provision of a 200 Saudi Riyal stipend to each pilgrim, quality meals, and transportation services.
Similarly, the Deputy Amirul Hajj and Emir of Karaye, Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, thanked the governor for personally visiting the pilgrims and for the measures put in place to ensure their comfort throughout the pilgrimage.
The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, briefed the governor on the overall progress of the Hajj operation, highlighting challenges encountered, including issues relating to the issuance of pilgrim identification documents.
He also outlined ongoing efforts to ensure that all pilgrims return to Nigeria with their luggage intact.
Governor Yusuf is expected to return to Kano on Thursday after concluding his brief visit to Saudi Arabia.
