The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced May 14, 2026, as the commencement date for the first batch of pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Director General of the board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the Hajj Induction Course held at the School for Arabic Studies, Kano.
He said the date follows the official schedule released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, adding that Max Air has been designated as the carrier for Kano pilgrims.
Matawalle said the board had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and hitch-free airlift of intending pilgrims.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Yusuf Lawan, urged intending pilgrims to continue reviewing their induction materials to better understand the rites of Hajj.
He also advised them to strictly comply with the rules and regulations guiding the pilgrimage as set by Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities.
Representatives of key agencies and service providers involved in the exercise, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Hajj Tribunal, National Orientation Agency, Max Air and Hisbah Corps Kano State, also delivered goodwill messages at the event.
The board reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless Hajj operation for all pilgrims from the state.