Kano Pilgrims Board Reviews 2026 Hajj Operations, to Announce 2027 Deposit Soon

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that it will soon unveil the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj, assuring intending pilgrims that preparations for next year’s pilgrimage are already in progress despite the absence of an official fare announcement.

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters in Kano while presenting a comprehensive review of the Board’s achievements during the 2026 Hajj operations.

Matawalle explained that although some states have already announced deposits and fares for the 2027 pilgrimage, Kano State is taking a cautious approach to ensure all necessary consultations and planning are completed before making any official announcement.

“We will announce the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj at the appropriate time after concluding all necessary arrangements. Our priority is to provide intending pilgrims with accurate and reliable information,” he said.

Reviewing the 2026 Hajj exercise, the Director General described it as one of the most successful operations in the history of the Board, attributing the achievement to meticulous planning, effective coordination and the dedication of all stakeholders involved.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the pilgrimage and commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering support, leadership and commitment to the welfare of Kano State pilgrims. He also appreciated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saudi authorities, airlines and other partners for their invaluable contributions to the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Highlighting the Board’s achievements, Matawalle disclosed that every intending pilgrim from Kano State received official uniforms and hand luggage to promote uniformity, convenience and easy identification throughout the pilgrimage.

He further revealed that the Board renovated the mosque at the Hajj Terminal of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, creating a more conducive environment for worshippers and pilgrims. In addition, chairs and electric fans were donated to improve the comfort of pilgrims awaiting departure.

According to him, each of the 3,611 Kano pilgrims received a financial support package of 200 Saudi Riyals upon arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist with immediate expenses.

The Director General also stated that the Board renovated the Hajj demonstration ground and toilet facilities at the Hajj camp to enhance pre-departure orientation programmes. In addition, four Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units were donated to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command to facilitate efficient immigration procedures during the Hajj operations.

Matawalle said that with support from ASIA Group of Companies, the Board distributed free detergent and toothpaste to all Kano pilgrims as part of efforts to enhance their welfare during the pilgrimage.

He added that shuttle buses were provided to transport pilgrims between their accommodation and the Holy Mosque (Al-Haram) in Makkah for the five daily prayers, significantly improving their comfort and mobility.

According to the Director General, the Board successfully airlifted all 3,611 registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and safely returned every one of them to Nigeria, achieving a 100 per cent completion rate without leaving any Kano pilgrim stranded.

He attributed the success to close collaboration with NAHCON, airlines, Saudi authorities and service providers, as well as the provision of continuous medical services through relevant health agencies to cater for the healthcare needs of pilgrims.

Matawalle further explained that intensive enlightenment and orientation programmes before departure resulted in improved compliance with Hajj regulations and exemplary conduct by Kano pilgrims throughout the exercise.

He noted that proper identification and documentation of pilgrims significantly reduced incidents of missing pilgrims during movements between the holy sites, despite operational challenges experienced at some Saudi airports.

The Director General disclosed that the Board recovered about 30 pieces of luggage left behind in pilgrims’ accommodations, alongside more than 100 abandoned main and hand luggage at Saudi airports.

He said an international cargo operator had been engaged to transport all recovered luggage back to Kano, where they would be handed over to their rightful owners.

Matawalle said the Board’s outstanding performance during the 2026 Hajj had further strengthened Kano State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading pilgrims’ welfare agencies, attributing the achievements to teamwork, transparency, dedication and the unwavering support of the Kano State Government and other stakeholders.

He expressed appreciation to all Kano pilgrims for their discipline, patience and cooperation throughout the exercise, noting that their exemplary conduct reflected the values and dignity of the state.

The Director General assured residents that the Board would continue improving its services by applying lessons learned from the 2026 Hajj operations in preparations for future pilgrimages, reiterating that the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj would be announced as soon as all necessary arrangements are concluded.