By Fatima Dayyab Usman

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has confirmed that pilgrims from the state currently in Madinah have settled fully and commenced religious activities ahead of the main 2026 Hajj rites.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Datti, disclosed this in an interview with Hajj Gazette, noting that pilgrims have been participating in prayers, visitation to Raudah, and tours of other historical Islamic sites in Madinah.

He said some of the pilgrims have already arrived in Makkah to prepare for the major Hajj rituals, while others are scheduled to depart Madinah in phases.

“Our pilgrims who are currently in Madinah are fully settled and carrying out their religious activities, including visitation to Raudah and other historical sites, while some have already moved to Makkah and are preparing for the main Hajj rites,” Datti said.

He explained that the operational arrangement between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards has continued smoothly, with NAHCON managing services in Madinah and the state agencies taking over pilgrims’ welfare operations in Makkah.

According to him, the transition process has so far recorded minimal complaints from pilgrims.

“As you already know, the plan is for NAHCON to provide accommodation, feeding and other services for Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah, while the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies take over in Makkah, and that has been done successfully,” he stated.

Datti noted that the accommodation of male and female pilgrims within the same hotel facilities, though with strict separation arrangements, appeared to be the only unfamiliar aspect for some pilgrims.

“The only thing that seems new to most of our pilgrims is the accommodation of both male and female pilgrims in the same hotel facility, though with complete isolation,” he added.

He further disclosed that pilgrims from the first, second and third flights had already arrived in Makkah, while those from the fourth and fifth flights were scheduled to depart Madinah for Makkah on Thursday and Friday.

Datti also highlighted the role of the agency’s advance teams in ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.

According to him, one team has remained stationed in Madinah to receive incoming pilgrims from Nigeria, while another team is based in Makkah to coordinate arrivals from Madinah and address operational challenges promptly.

“Things have been moving smoothly for us,” he said.