2026 Hajj: Zamfara To Airlift Pilgrims From Gusau Airport

The Zamfara State Hajj Commission plans to commence the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj from the Gusau International Airport.

The commission’s executive chairman, Musa Mallaha, disclosed this to newsmen in Gusau yesterday.

Mallaha said the exercise comes up amid a reduction in hajj slots allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Arabia, a development that will prevent more than 450 intending pilgrims from the state from participating in this year’s pilgrimage.

Despite the setback, the commission said it is introducing new welfare measures to improve the experience of those who will travel. He said each pilgrim would receive two large bags and a small one—an upgrade from the previous arrangements, which provided only one bag for return luggage.

In preparation for the pilgrimage, the commission has set up a sensitisation committee to educate pilgrims on proper hajj rites in line with Islamic teachings. The committee, chaired by the chairman of the Zamfara State Ulama Consultative Council, Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, would conduct orientation programmes across all 14 local government areas of the state, from April 14, ahead of the official flag-off.

Commenting on the reduced quota, a renowned Islamic scholar in the state, Sheikh Sa’idu Aliyu Maikwano, urged affected individuals to accept the situation as an act of divine will. He cited verses from the Qur’an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), emphasising the obligation of having faith in destiny.

Sheikh Maikwano also commended Governor Dauda Lawal and the hajj commission for their management of the exercise.

Other officials present during the programme included senior members of the commission, including Haruna Abdullahi Godal, Umar Bello Jabaka, Bashir Ahmad Maradun, Kabiru Umar Zabarma, Yusuf Muhammad Nahuce and Nafi’u Muhammad Gado.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful hajj operation for all eligible pilgrims from the state.