The Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Aliyu Musa, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise, describing it as highly successful while commending stakeholders for their contributions to the achievement.
Speaking during an interview in Saudi Arabia, Aliyu Musa disclosed that Sokoto State commenced the return airlift of its pilgrims on June 14, 2026, and has been allocated a total of five flights for the operation.
According to him, four flights has already been completed, while the remaining 1 flights is expected to transport the rest of the pilgrims back to Nigeria.
“As far as Sokoto State is concerned, Alhamdulillah, all praises are due to Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this moment. We commenced our return airlift on June 14, and we are scheduled to have five flights in total. By the grace of Allah, the final flight is expected to depart on Friday,” he said.
Reflecting on the overall Hajj operation, the chairman noted that the exercise recorded significant successes, particularly the introduction of two 23-kilogram luggage allowances for pilgrims, an initiative introduced this year.
He explained that the agency successfully sensitized pilgrims on the approved luggage weight limits, resulting in smooth baggage handling without any major challenges.
“One of the major successes of this year’s Hajj was the provision of two 23-kilogram bags for each pilgrim instead of the single bag previously allowed. Alhamdulillah, we educated our pilgrims on the importance of complying with the approved weight limits, and they adhered to the instructions. So far, we have not recorded any complaints or hitches regarding the luggage arrangements,” he stated.
Musa attributed the success of the Hajj exercise to the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Sokoto State Government, members of the agency’s board, management staff, and religious scholars.
He expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its coordination and management of the Hajj exercise and thanked the Sokoto State Government for its support throughout the operation.
The chairman also commended the agency’s staff and the Ulama for their dedication and contributions towards ensuring the welfare of pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
Looking ahead to the 2027 Hajj, Gusau urged intending pilgrims and stakeholders in the Hajj industry to begin preparations early, especially with regard to the payment of Hajj fares.
He revealed that the agency had already received communication from Saudi Arabian authorities and NAHCON concerning the commencement of preparations for the next Hajj season.
“We have already received a letter from the National Hajj Commission and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj regarding the commencement of preparations for next year’s Hajj. Therefore, we are calling on all intending pilgrims and stakeholders to begin making arrangements and payments early. It is no longer business as usual where people wait until late announcements. Early preparation will help us meet deadlines and ensure a smoother Hajj operation,” he advised.
Aliyu prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and reward for all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.