The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has announced that May 13, 2026 has been scheduled as the date for the first airlift of Kano State pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In statement issued to newsmen by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman A. Dederi, disclosed that 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).
Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle stated that the Board has concluded all necessary preparations for intending pilgrims within the state. He emphasized that it is a longstanding tradition for the Board to brief the Honourable House—particularly the House Committee on Hajj—prior to the commencement of airlifting operations, to ensure that all arrangements are transparent and on schedule.
The Director General assured stakeholders that he would deploy his experience and introduce new strategies aimed at ensuring a hitch-free and successful Hajj operation for Kano State pilgrims this year.
Speaking 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 and appropriate. He further pledged the Assembly’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with the Board to achieve its set objectives for a smooth Hajj exercise.
In a related development, the Director General also 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 a symbiotic relationship with relevant authorities and security agencies.
During the visit, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle stressed the need for cordial and effective working relationships between the Board and all relevant agencies involved in the 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 driven by professionalism and consultation is bound to succeed.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to ensuring the welfare, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of all intending pilgrims from the state during the 2026 Hajj exercise.