The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, has said that the state government made significant improvements to the welfare of its pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, including better accommodation, feeding, transportation, medical care and Zamzam distribution.
Speaking in an interview with Hajj Chronicles in Makkah, Abdurrahman explained that Bauchi pilgrims were accommodated in strategically located hotels in the Misfalah District of Makkah, an area with relatively lighter traffic that enabled pilgrims to move around more conveniently.
He added that female pilgrims were housed separately in a three-star hotel within the same district, ensuring their comfort and security throughout the pilgrimage.
According to him, all hotels secured for the 2026 Hajj exercise offered better facilities and services than those used during the 2025 pilgrimage.
On feeding arrangements, Imam disclosed that pilgrims received quality meals every morning and evening in line with the approval and support of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted the board’s transportation arrangements, noting that sufficient official vehicles and the necessary movement permits were provided to support pilgrims’ welfare and operational activities. He stated that nearly 90 percent of the Hajj operations were carried out smoothly.
Addressing the issue of Nusuk cards, Ibrahim said only a small number of Bauchi pilgrims did not receive their cards while in Madinah, but all outstanding cases were resolved before the movement to the holy sites in Masha’ir, allowing every pilgrim to participate without hindrance.
He further announced new measures for Zamzam water distribution, revealing that each pilgrim would receive a five-litre container upon arrival at the Hajj camp in Bauchi. The initiative, he said, was designed to eliminate losses experienced under previous distribution methods and would particularly benefit pilgrims travelling to remote communities before collecting their Zamzam water.
On healthcare services, Abdurraham Idris stated that the board, with the approval of Governor Bala Muhammed, provided adequate medications and worked closely with the National Medical Team for the 2026 Hajj. He added that a clinic was established within the Bauchi pilgrims’ accommodation while a dedicated centre was provided for female pilgrims requiring medical attention.
He reported that the overall health condition of Bauchi pilgrims remained satisfactory throughout the exercise, with only two female pilgrims falling ill before recovering and being discharged after receiving treatment.
Regarding the return journey, Imam disclosed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had scheduled the first return flight for Bauchi pilgrims for Wednesday, June 10. He noted that, in compliance with airline and NAHCON guidelines, pilgrims’ luggage had already been weighed two days ahead of departure to facilitate a smooth airlift operation.