The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has given the reason why it has not yet announced the deposit for 2027 Hajj.
Speaking at a press conference at the headquarters in Kano on Wednesday, the Director General of the board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, said it will soon announce the official deposit amount for the 2027 Hajj.
According to Matawalle, although some states have already announced their Hajj fares and deposits for 2027, Kano would not be in a hurry to make such an announcement until the necessary consultations and planning are completed.
He noted that there are indications that there could a hike in 2027 Hajj due to some policies that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would come up with.
Matawalle stated that the board is working diligently to ensure that intending pilgrims receive accurate information at the appropriate time.
He therefore assured intending pilgrims that preparations for next year’s pilgrimage are already underway despite the absence of an official fare announcement.
The Director General described the 2026 Hajj exercise as one of the most successful in the history of the Board, attributing the achievement to careful planning, effective coordination and the commitment of all stakeholders involved in the pilgrimage operations.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the pilgrimage and commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering support, guidance and commitment to the welfare of Kano State pilgrims. Matawalle also acknowledged the contributions of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Saudi authorities, airlines and other partners for ensuring a smooth operation.
Highlighting the Board’s achievements, Matawalle said every intending pilgrim from Kano State received official uniforms and hand luggage to promote uniformity, convenience and easy identification throughout the pilgrimage.
He further revealed that the Board renovated the mosque at the Hajj Terminal of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to provide a more conducive environment for worshippers and pilgrims. According to him, chairs and electric fans were also donated to improve the comfort of pilgrims awaiting their departure flights.
Matawalle stated that each of the 3,611 Kano State pilgrims received financial support of 200 Saudi Riyals upon arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist with their immediate expenses.
The Director General added that the Hajj demonstration field and toilet facilities at the Hajj camp were renovated to improve the quality of pre-departure orientation programmes, while the Board also donated four Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command to facilitate efficient immigration services during the Hajj operations.
According to Matawalle, the Board, with support from ASIA Group of Companies, distributed free detergent and toothpaste to all Kano pilgrims as part of efforts to improve their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.
He also disclosed that shuttle buses were provided to transport pilgrims between their accommodation and the Holy Mosque (Al-Haram) in Makkah for the five daily prayers, significantly improving their comfort and ease of movement.
Matawalle said the Board successfully airlifted all 3,611 registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and safely returned every one of them to Nigeria, achieving what he described as a 100 percent completion rate without leaving any Kano pilgrim stranded in the Kingdom.
He noted that close collaboration with NAHCON, airlines, Saudi authorities and service providers ensured the smooth execution of all stages of the Hajj exercise, while continuous medical services were provided in collaboration with relevant health authorities to address pilgrims’ healthcare needs.
The Director General explained that intensified enlightenment and orientation programmes before departure resulted in better compliance with Hajj regulations and exemplary conduct by Kano pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
Matawalle further disclosed that proper identification and documentation of pilgrims significantly reduced cases of missing pilgrims during movements between the holy sites despite operational challenges experienced at some Saudi airports.
He revealed that the Board successfully recovered about 30 pieces of luggage left behind in various pilgrims’ accommodations, in addition to more than 100 pieces of abandoned main and hand luggage at Saudi airports.
According to Matawalle, an international cargo operator was engaged to transport all recovered luggage back to Kano, where they would be distributed to their rightful owners.
He said the Board’s performance during the 2026 Hajj has once again strengthened Kano State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading pilgrims’ welfare agencies, noting that the achievements were made possible through teamwork, transparency, dedication and the unwavering support of the Kano State Government and other stakeholders.
Matawalle expressed appreciation to all Kano pilgrims for their discipline, patience and cooperation throughout the exercise, saying their conduct reflected the values and dignity of the state and contributed significantly to the overall success of the pilgrimage.
The Director General assured residents that the Board would continue improving its services by applying lessons learned from the 2026 Hajj exercise in preparations for future pilgrimages. He reiterated that the official deposit for the 2027 Hajj would be announced soon after the necessary arrangements are concluded.
