The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, has assured that all necessary arrangements have been concluded to ensure the smooth return of Kaduna pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj.
Speaking in an interview, Malam Salihu disclosed that Kaduna State has been allocated five return flights scheduled to commence on June 16 and continue on June 17, 18, 19, and 20, with the final flight expected to airlift the last batch of pilgrims back to Nigeria.
He explained that pilgrims would be transported to the airport during the night to enable them board flights scheduled to depart Jeddah in the early hours of the morning.
According to the Chairman, extensive logistical arrangements have been put in place in collaboration with the designated carrier, Flynas, to facilitate a seamless return operation.
He revealed that the airline would collect pilgrims’ checked luggage two days before each scheduled flight, while the agency had ensured that all baggage would be ready at least a day earlier to avoid delays.
Malam Salihu further stated that hand luggage would be collected from pilgrims approximately five hours before they board buses to the airport, noting that the process had been carefully planned to minimise inconvenience and ensure orderly movement.
On the implementation of the new baggage policy, the Chairman said Kaduna State had fully adopted the nationally approved arrangement allowing each pilgrim two bags weighing 23 kilograms each.
He noted that the agency embarked on extensive sensitisation campaigns to educate pilgrims on the policy and established weighing stations across accommodation facilities in Makkah to help them verify their luggage well ahead of departure.
“The arrangement has been working effectively because pilgrims were adequately informed and provided with facilities to ensure compliance with the approved limits,” he said.
Speaking on pilgrims’ spiritual preparedness, Malam Salihu explained that the agency organised enlightenment programmes for intending pilgrims over several months before departure.
He said the weekly sessions were conducted at about ten centres across Kaduna State and featured volunteer scholars and enlightenment officers who educated pilgrims on Hajj rites and other important aspects of the pilgrimage.
According to him, the initiative significantly enhanced pilgrims’ understanding of their religious obligations and contributed to the successful performance of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of Kaduna pilgrims and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring their safe, orderly, and successful return home.
As of the time of writing this story, the first flight has been taken off from Jeddah International Airport to Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport