Sokoto Declares Readiness for 2026 Hajj, Sets May 11 Airlift as Chairman Insists ‘No Room for Error’

Sokoto Declares  Readiness for 2026 Hajj, Sets May 11 Airlift as Chairman Insists ‘No Room for Error’

By Aminu Suleiman

The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has declared near total readiness for the 2026 Hajj exercise, announcing that all logistical, medical and administrative arrangements for intending pilgrims have been effectively concluded ahead of the scheduled airlift to Saudi Arabia.

Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, disclosed during a media briefing in Sokoto on Wednesday that preparations have reached a 99 per cent completion level, assuring that the state is fully set to commence airlifting pilgrims from May 11 in line with the timetable released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

He dismissed widespread concerns over reported reductions in Hajj slots across some states, clarifying that Sokoto’s allocation remains intact.

“There is no slash in Sokoto’s allocation. Only some states were affected,” Musa stated, attributing the development to directives from Saudi Arabian authorities to NAHCON.

In a significant boost to the state’s preparedness, the chairman confirmed that all intending pilgrims from Sokoto have successfully secured their visas one of the most critical requirements that often delays Hajj operations nationwide.

“As of now, we don’t have any issue. All our pilgrims have been screened and issued visas. That process is completed,” he said.

Musa emphasized that the Agency adopted a stringent multi-layer screening system to ensure only eligible and responsible individuals participate in the pilgrimage.

 According to him, every pilgrim underwent mandatory medical examinations conducted by the Agency’s health team.

“No certificate, no visa—that’s our rule. We forward the medical clearance to NAHCON before visas are issued, and that stage is fully completed,” he explained.

Beyond health checks, the Agency implemented a rigorous verification process across Sokoto’s three senatorial districts, describing it as a “screen, screen and screen again” mechanism aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the exercise.

A key component of this process is the guarantor policy, which Musa described as a decisive accountability measure.

“Every pilgrim must present a guarantor either a local government chairman, district head or village head who will vouch for their character. If anyone misbehaves in Saudi Arabia, we know who to hold accountable,” he said.

He further stressed that only duly verified Nigerian citizens were registered for the pilgrimage.

“No aliens. No non-Nigerians. All our intending pilgrims are legitimate Nigerians,” he added firmly.

On logistics, the Agency has engaged Gumza Airlines for the airlift operation, citing the airline’s proven track record in handling pilgrim transportation from other states without incident.

“The airline has a clean record. There should be no confusion with carriers that had issues in the past this is not the same,” Musa clarified.

He also disclosed that clerics and officials assigned to guide the pilgrims have undergone thorough vetting to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations and proper conduct during the exercise.

“They are tested and trusted. They understand the dos and don’ts of the Saudi authorities, and I am satisfied with their preparedness,” he said.

While acknowledging the scale and complexity of the annual Hajj operation, Musa commended the Sokoto State Government for its consistent financial and logistical support.

“This is a major operation every year. Without government intervention and support, it would be difficult to achieve this level of success,” he noted.

As the countdown to May 11 begins, the chairman urged intending pilgrims to uphold the image of Sokoto State and Nigeria throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

“They must see themselves as ambassadors of their state and country,” he advised.

With medical screenings concluded, visas secured, and logistics firmly in place, Sokoto appears poised for a seamless Hajj operation, leaving little to chance as thousands prepare for the sacred journey.