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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Culture & Society

Kano introduces daily shuttle for Hajj pilgrims in Makkah

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Kano State Government has launched a daily shuttle service for pilgrims in Makkah during the 2026 Hajj.
  • The initiative aims to ease transportation challenges and allow pilgrims to conveniently reach the Grand Mosque for daily prayers.
  • Eight buses have been deployed to transport pilgrims between their hotels and Masjid Al-Haram, fulfilling a key welfare promise.

The Kano State Government has initiated a daily transportation service for pilgrims attending the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, fulfilling a significant welfare commitment. This new initiative, which commenced immediately after the Day of Arafat, is designed to alleviate transportation difficulties and ensure pilgrims can easily access the Grand Mosque in Makkah for their five daily prayers.

Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, announced the service in Makkah on Sunday. He confirmed that the state government has finalized all arrangements to guarantee the smooth daily transport of pilgrims between their accommodations and the Holy Mosque. "The transportation arrangement is designed to reduce the stress associated with movement to the Grand Mosque, especially for elderly pilgrims and those who may find it difficult to walk long distances. We urge all pilgrims to make proper use of the facilities and handle them responsibly," Matawalle stated.

This intervention underscores the administration's dedication to enhancing the welfare and spiritual experience of Kano pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land. Dedicated buses are now ferrying pilgrims to and from Masjid Al-Haram daily, enabling them to perform their religious duties with greater ease and comfort. The Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, officially flagged off the buses, emphasizing that the support ensures pilgrims have unhindered access to the Holy Mosque for increased devotion.

A total of eight buses, each capable of carrying over fifty passengers, are operating the service. These buses are strategically positioned at various accommodation centers housing Kano pilgrims to ensure efficient and timely movement. Additionally, the Amirul Hajj and his deputy have overseen the distribution of pilgrims' luggage in preparation for their return journey to Nigeria, advising pilgrims to adhere to luggage regulations, including the two-piece limit of 23 kilograms each.

The transportation arrangement is designed to reduce the stress associated with movement to the Grand Mosque, especially for elderly pilgrims and those who may find it difficult to walk long distances. We urge all pilgrims to make proper use of the facilities and handle them responsibly.

โ€” Alhaji Abubakar MatawalleThe Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board explained the purpose and encouraged responsible use of the new shuttle service.
DistantNews Editorial

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