The Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board on Thursday presented an interim report on its 2026 Hajj operations, declaring a surplus of N117 million from its operational budget.

Besides, the Board recorded zero casualties during the recently concluded religious exercise, as all 3,600 state pilgrims who travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia returned home safely after successfully performing the pilgrimage.

Presenting the interim report before the State Executive Council, the Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Yusuf Lawan, said the Board conducted financially prudent operations, with efficient and effective management of the welfare of pilgrims and staff during the 2026 Hajj.

Alhaji Lawan highlighted the Board’s efforts in providing conducive accommodation, transportation and feeding for the state’s pilgrims, adding that the pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the services rendered.

According to the Board Chairman, the management also recorded significant success in healthcare services, with a dedicated team of medical personnel providing round-the-clock services to the pilgrims.

The Chairman also commended the services of the media team, security personnel and religious guides, whose dedication to serving the pilgrims contributed to the overall success of the Board’s operations during the Hajj.

However, Alhaji Lawan revealed that the exercise witnessed a series of disappointments involving the designated airline with disruptions to flight schedules during inbound and outbound operations.

He similarly disclosed that the Board experienced challenges with some service providers during the pilgrims’ brief stay in Mina, adding that it had filed an official complaint with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to address the situation.

The Board applauded the unflinching support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Board, describing his support as a source of inspiration that contributed to the successes recorded.

Alhaji Lawan particularly lauded Governor Yusuf’s gesture in providing Ihram garments and 200 Saudi Riyals to each of the 3,600 pilgrims from Kano, saying the gesture helped to ease the financial burden on the pilgrims.

The Board Chairman disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise are in top gear considering the new regulations of the Saudi Arabian authorities, adding that the Kingdom had already set deadlines for all activities well ahead of time.

While receiving the report, Governor Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise, which he described as one of the most successful pilgrimages in recent times.

The Governor attested to the quality of the food provided to the pilgrims, saying he personally tasted the meals during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Governor Yusuf specifically commended the Director-General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, for the prudent management of resources and the high level of transparency and accountability demonstrated by the Board.

The Governor subsequently confirmed the State Executive Council’s approval of the 2027 Hajj budget and directed the Board to commence preparations for next year’s Hajj exercise immediately.