Kano Govt Provides Daily Shuttle Buses for Pilgrims to Grand Mosque in Makkah

The Kano State Government has commenced daily transportation services for its pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, delivering on a key welfare promise aimed at easing their movement to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The initiative, which took effect immediately after the Day of Arafat, is designed to address transportation challenges faced by pilgrims and enable them to conveniently attend the five daily prayers at Masjid Al-Haram.

The Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Matawalle, disclosed this during a press briefing in Makkah on Sunday.

Matawalle said the state government had finalized all necessary arrangements to ensure seamless transportation of pilgrims between their accommodation centres and the Holy Mosque throughout their stay in the Kingdom.

According to him, the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and spiritual experience of Kano pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.

He explained that dedicated buses have been deployed to transport pilgrims to and from Masjid Al-Haram on a daily basis, allowing them to perform their religious obligations with greater ease and comfort.

“The transportation arrangement is intended to reduce the stress associated with movement to the Grand Mosque, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those who may find it difficult to walk long distances. We urge all pilgrims to make proper use of the facilities and handle them responsibly,” he said.

In fulfillment of the government’s commitment, 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 operation.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Amirul Hajj said the transportation support was introduced to guarantee pilgrims unhindered access to the Holy Mosque, where they can devote more time to prayers, supplications and other acts of worship.

He noted that the initiative demonstrates the Kano State Government’s resolve under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritize the comfort and welfare of pilgrims while enabling them to derive maximum spiritual benefits from the sacred pilgrimage.

A total of eight buses, each capable of carrying more than 50 passengers, have been deployed and strategically assigned to various accommodation centres housing Kano pilgrims to ensure efficient and timely movement.

Meanwhile, the Amirul Hajj and his deputy also supervised the distribution and dispatch of pilgrims’ luggage ahead of their return journey to Nigeria.

He advised pilgrims to strictly comply with 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 allowance to 46 kilograms per pilgrim.