We’ll announce 2027 hajj deposit soon — Kano pilgrim board

Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board says it will soon announce the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj, assuring intending pilgrims that preparations for next year’s pilgrimage are already underway despite the absence of an official fare announcement.

The Director General of the Board, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters in Kano while presenting a review of the Board’s performance during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Matawalle said the Board was deliberately taking time to complete necessary consultations and planning before announcing the deposit, unlike some states that had already released their 2027 Hajj deposits and fares.

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“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.

The Director General described the 2026 Hajj operation as one of the most successful in the Board’s history, attributing the achievement to careful planning, effective coordination and the commitment of stakeholders.

He thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his support and commitment to the welfare of Kano pilgrims, while also appreciating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saudi authorities, airlines and other partners for their roles in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage.

Highlighting the Board’s achievements, Matawalle said all 3,611 Kano pilgrims were provided with official uniforms and hand luggage to enhance uniformity, convenience and easy identification throughout the pilgrimage.

He added that each pilgrim received a financial support package of 200 Saudi Riyals upon arrival in Saudi Arabia to assist with immediate expenses.

According to him, the Board also renovated the mosque at the Hajj Terminal of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, donated chairs and electric fans for pilgrims awaiting departure, and upgraded the Hajj demonstration ground and toilet facilities at the Hajj camp to improve pre-departure orientation activities.

The Board also donated four Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command to facilitate smoother immigration procedures during the Hajj operations.

Matawalle said, with support from ASIA Group of Companies, free detergent and toothpaste were distributed to all Kano pilgrims as part of measures to improve their welfare.

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

The Director General disclosed that all 3,611 registered pilgrims from Kano were successfully airlifted to Saudi Arabia and returned safely to Nigeria, achieving a 100 per cent completion rate without leaving any pilgrim stranded.

He said the success was made possible through close collaboration with NAHCON, airlines, Saudi authorities and service providers, alongside continuous medical support provided to pilgrims throughout the exercise.

According to him, intensive enlightenment and orientation programmes before departure improved compliance with Hajj regulations and contributed to the exemplary conduct of Kano pilgrims.

Matawalle also revealed that the Board recovered about 30 pieces of luggage left behind in pilgrims’ accommodation and more than 100 abandoned main and hand luggage at Saudi airports..

He said an international cargo operator had been engaged to transport the recovered items back to Kano, where they would be returned to their rightful owners.

The Director General said the Board’s performance had further strengthened Kano State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading pilgrims’ welfare agencies, attributing the achievements to teamwork, transparency, dedication and sustained support from the state government and other stakeholders.

He thanked Kano pilgrims for their discipline, patience and cooperation during the pilgrimage and assured residents that lessons from the 2026 Hajj operations would be used to further improve services ahead of future pilgrimages.

Matawalle reiterated that the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj would be announced as soon as all necessary arrangements had been concluded.