Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Engages Airline For Swift Return Of Kano Pilgrims

The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has engaged the airline responsible for transporting Kano pilgrims to facilitate their swift and safe return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Governor is currently holding discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, to expedite arrangements for the timely evacuation of Kano pilgrims back to Nigeria.

This was contained in a press statement issued by Mustapha Muhammad, Head of the Media Team, Hajj Operation 2026.

Governor Yusuf made the disclosure while meeting with Kano pilgrims and Hajj officials in Makkah during a Sallah visit aimed at extending festive greetings and assessing their welfare following his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor assured the pilgrims that he would personally engage the airline’s management and expressed confidence that efforts would be intensified to ensure their prompt return.

He further explained that he deliberately visited the catering service provider responsible for supplying food and drinks to pilgrims in order to personally 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,” the Governor stated.

Earlier, the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, informed the Governor that Kano pilgrims had successfully completed their Hajj rites and were satisfied with the services provided by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

He commended the Governor for his support and hospitality towards the pilgrims, including 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, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, expressed appreciation to the Governor for personally visiting the pilgrims and for the various measures taken to ensure their comfort throughout the Hajj exercise.

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, briefed the Governor on the overall progress of the operation and highlighted some challenges encountered, including issues relating to the issuance of pilgrim identification documents. He also outlined ongoing efforts to ensure that all pilgrims return home with their luggage intact.

Governor Yusuf is expected to return to Kano, Nigeria, today after concluding his brief visit to Saudi Arabia.