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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Conflict & Security

1,714 Kwara pilgrims to perform 2026 Hajj, board confirms

From The Punch · (3h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A total of 1,714 pilgrims from Kwara State, Nigeria, are scheduled to participate in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
  • Preparations are advanced, with visas secured, accommodation arranged, and Hajj materials distributed.
  • The pilgrims will be airlifted in three batches by Max Air, with the first flight on May 6, and the approved Hajj fare is N7.75 million.

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has confirmed that 1,714 intending pilgrims from the state will embark on the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj. This announcement, made by the Board's Secretary, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, signals that preparations are well underway for a smooth and successful pilgrimage. The board has assured that all necessary arrangements, including visa processing, accommodation in Saudi Arabia, and the distribution of essential Hajj materials, are in place.

Visas are ready, accommodation in Saudi Arabia has been secured, bags and other Hajj materials are on the ground, while the Board will receive the Basic Travel Allowance of intending pilgrims next week.

โ€” Alhaji Abdulsalam AbdulkadirProviding an update on the preparations for the 2026 Hajj.

Further details indicate that the pilgrims will be airlifted in three batches via Max Air, with the inaugural flight for Kwara pilgrims scheduled for May 6, followed by flights on May 7 and May 9. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has set May 3 for the nationwide inaugural flight. Enlightenment programs have also been organized to guide pilgrims on the rites and guidelines of Hajj, with sessions led by prominent religious figures.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had fixed May 3 for the inaugural flight nationwide, noting that pilgrims from Kwara would be airlifted in three batches.

โ€” Alhaji Abdulsalam AbdulkadirDetailing the flight schedule for Kwara pilgrims.

From the perspective of The Punch (Nigeria), this report highlights the logistical and organizational efforts involved in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for citizens. It underscores the importance of religious observance and the government's role in supporting these spiritual journeys. The detailed breakdown of costs, flight schedules, and preparatory measures provides valuable information to the intending pilgrims and their families, reflecting a commitment to transparency and efficient service delivery. The mention of a refund for pilgrims who overpaid the Hajj fare further demonstrates the board's dedication to fairness.

The airlift is scheduled for May 6, May 7, and May 9 via Max Air.

โ€” Alhaji Abdulsalam AbdulkadirSpecifying the dates and airline for the airlift.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.