Kano State Government Launches Daily Transport Service for Hajj Pilgrims in Makkah

In a bid to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, the Kano State Government has introduced a daily shuttle service for those participating in the 2026 Hajj. This initiative, which commenced immediately after the Day of Arafat, is designed to facilitate easy movement between their hotels and the Grand Mosque in Makkah, enabling them to observe the five daily prayers at Masjid Al-Haram without hassle. According to the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, the state government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth transportation of pilgrims. Matawalle disclosed this information at a news conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, stating that dedicated buses have been deployed to convey pilgrims to and from Masjid Al-Haram on a daily basis. The intervention is part of the administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and spiritual experience of Kano pilgrims throughout their stay in the Holy Land. As Matawalle explained, the transportation arrangement is intended 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. He urged all pilgrims to make proper use of the facilities and handle them responsibly. The Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, officially flagged off the buses designated for the exercise. During the inauguration, the Amirul Hajj noted that the transportation support was introduced to ensure that pilgrims have unhindered access to the Holy Mosque, where they can devote more time to prayers, supplications, and acts of worship. A total of eight buses, each with a carrying capacity of over fifty passengers, have been deployed for the operation. The buses have been strategically assigned to various accommodation centres housing Kano pilgrims to ensure efficiency and timely movement. Meanwhile, the state Amirul Hajj and his Deputy also supervised the distribution and dispatch of pilgrims’ luggage in preparation for their return journey to Nigeria. The Amirul Hajj advised pilgrims to comply strictly with the approved luggage regulations and avoid carrying items exceeding the stipulated weight limits. Each pilgrim is entitled to two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23 kilograms each, bringing the total allowable baggage to 46 kilograms per pilgrim.