The Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, has called for maximum cooperation from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure timely processing of international passports for Kano State pilgrims.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the DG made the call today during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service Passport Control Office , Farm Center in Kano.
Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle explained that with the approaching deadline for the 2026 Hajj visa on 8th February 2026, many intending pilgrims are yet to receive their international passports. He stressed that urgent intervention is required to avoid pilgrims missing the visa deadline.
To address the challenge, the Director General disclosed that the Board plans to design a special identification form that will enable Immigration officials to easily identify pilgrims requiring urgent passport processing.
In his response, the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration in charge of the Passport Control Office Farm Center , Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Hamisu Nguroje, assured the Board of the Service’s commitment to do everything possible to assist the pilgrims in meeting the set target.
Alhaji Nguroje welcomed the Board’s initiative to introduce a special form, noting that it would enhance cooperation and ensure diligent collaboration between both institutions for effective service delivery.
He also expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and appropriate.
The Director General was accompanied by all Directors of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board during the visit.