The Amirul Hajj of Katsina State for the 2026 Hajj exercise, Barrister Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, has reassured pilgrims from the state that their welfare remains a top priority despite recent adjustments to the return flight schedule from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during a joint meeting of the Katsina State Hajj Delegation, Board and Management of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board held in Makkah on June 7, 2026, the Amirul Hajj disclosed that the delegation had continued consultations with relevant stakeholders following information that the state’s return flights, initially expected to commence on June 11, may be delayed as a result of changes in flight slot allocations by the Saudi authorities.
Barrister El-Marzuq informed the meeting that he had already briefed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on the development and sought his intervention. He also revealed that he personally contacted the proprietor of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who explained that the changes were beyond the control of the airline and resulted from slot allocations made by Saudi aviation authorities.
The Amirul Hajj further disclosed that subsequent discussions with airline officials indicated that the situation was improving, as there was a strong possibility that Katsina State could receive an additional flight slot, which would significantly shorten the anticipated delay.
The meeting also considered reports of rumours circulating among pilgrims concerning possible disruption of feeding and accommodation services. Participants expressed concern that such misinformation could create unnecessary anxiety among pilgrims.
In response, the Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Kabir Bature, clarified that accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims remained intact, noting that pilgrims had earlier signed undertakings acknowledging that their stay in the Holy Land could last between 35 and 40 days depending on operational circumstances.
Following the meeting, the Amirul Hajj, accompanied by members of the delegation, Board and management, visited and addressed pilgrims in all three major hotels accommodating Katsina State pilgrims in Makkah, including the female pilgrims’ hotel.
Addressing the pilgrims, Barrister El-Marzuq assured them that no pilgrim would be denied food or asked to vacate his or her accommodation should their stay be extended beyond the initially expected departure date.
He explained the roles of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the airlines and the Saudi authorities in the management of Hajj operations, while also providing detailed information on the circumstances surrounding the revised flight schedule.
The Amirul Hajj appealed to the pilgrims to remain calm, patient and law-abiding, and urged them to disregard rumours and misinformation capable of causing confusion and tension.
He assured them that the delegation was maintaining constant engagement with NAHCON, the airline and other relevant authorities to secure the earliest possible return schedule.
Barrister El-Marzuq further called on the pilgrims to continue praying for a favourable resolution of the situation and for the successful completion of the return airlift exercise.
The meeting resolved that pilgrims should continue to receive accurate and timely information on developments while efforts continue to secure improved flight allocations for Katsina State.
Signed:
Ahmed Abdulkadir
(Media Representative)
2026 Katsina State Hajj Delegation
June 7, 2026
