The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed May 14 as the start date for airlifting pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj exercise. The board said all logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless pilgrimage for the thousands of Muslims from the state.
The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of devotees to Mecca and Medina annually. For Nigerian pilgrims, the journey requires coordination between state pilgrims boards, airlines, and accommodation providers in the holy cities.
Kano, one of Nigeria's major Muslim-majority states, typically sends several thousand pilgrims each year. The board's early announcement of the May 14 airlift date gives intending pilgrims time to complete their registration, obtain necessary documents, and make financial arrangements.
Officials from the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board will begin receiving pilgrims at designated centres across the state in the coming weeks. Those interested in performing the 2026 hajj are advised to register with the board and familiarize themselves with the requirements, including proof of vaccination, valid passports, and visa documentation.
