KATSINA STATE 2026 HAJJ COMMITTEE

P-R-E-S-S R-E-L-E-A-S-E 

The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the distribution of travelling bags to pilgrims in Makkah as part of preparations for their return to Nigeria following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

As part of the ongoing arrangements for the return journey, the Board has also successfully conducted the sorting of pilgrims' e-passports at Mashariq Adhdhahabiyyah in Makkah in readiness for the airlift of Katsina State pilgrims back to Nigeria.

The exercise was carried out smoothly without any difficulties, owing to the maximum support and cooperation provided by officials of Mashariq Adhdhahabiyyah. The e-passport sorting committee was chaired by Muhammad Saifuddeen Yakubu Musa, with the Director of Operations of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Nasir Dan-Zaria, serving as coordinator. Other members of the committee included Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim Bindawa, Alhaji Isa Isa Yandaki and Alhaji Yusuf Damale Kaita.

Speaking during the bag distribution exercise, the Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, disclosed that Katsina pilgrims are scheduled to begin their return journey from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 11, 2026, while the general airlift of Nigerian pilgrims is expected to commence on June 3, 2026.

He explained that the Board had categorized pilgrims into three operational zones—Funtua, Katsina and Daura—to facilitate the orderly distribution of travelling bags and other return-flight arrangements.

According to him, pilgrims in the Funtua Zone collected their bags on the first day of the exercise, while those in the Katsina and Daura Zones are scheduled to receive theirs subsequently.

Alhaji Dankama also highlighted a significant improvement in the luggage arrangement for this year's Hajj operation. He noted that unlike previous years when each pilgrim was provided with an eight-kilogram hand luggage and a 32-kilogram travelling bag, the 2026 arrangement has been standardized in line with international best practices.

Under the new arrangement, each pilgrim is entitled to an eight-kilogram hand luggage in addition to two travelling bags of 23 kilograms each, thereby providing greater convenience and flexibility for returning pilgrims.

The Executive Director reassured pilgrims that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth, orderly and hitch-free return operation. He also commended the pilgrims for their patience, discipline and cooperation throughout the pilgrimage.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Katsina pilgrims and expressed confidence that the return airlift operation would be conducted successfully.

Signed

Ahmed Abdulkadir

(Media Representative)

Katsina State Hajj Delegation 2026