The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has announced 13 May 2026, as the date for the first airlift of Kano State pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Matawalle disclosed 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).
He stated that the Board has concluded all necessary preparations for intending pilgrims across the state.
According to him, 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 that all arrangements remain on schedule.
The Director-General assured stakeholders that he would leverage his experience and introduce new strategies to guarantee a smooth and successful Hajj operation for Kano State 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 Matawalle on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved. He pledged the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Board to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise.
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 and foster effective working relationships with relevant authorities and security agencies.
During the visit, Matawalle stressed the importance of cordial cooperation between the Board and all agencies involved in Hajj operations.
Responding, the Head of the Protocol Section, Nu’uman Nuhu Bamalli, commended the initiative and assured the Board of the Ministry’s support, noting that leadership anchored on professionalism and consultation is bound to succeed.
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.
