By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Leader of the Kaduna State 2026 Hajj delegation, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, has described this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as the best Hajj experience he has had since performing his first pilgrimage 45 years ago.
Mustapha, a former Head of Service in Kaduna State, made the remarks during a visit to Kaduna pilgrims at their accommodation in Makkah, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa.
He said he first performed Hajj in 1981 and also served as Amirul Hajj for Kaduna State in 1999. He commended the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, led by Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, for conducting what he described as a transparent and hitch-free exercise.Mustapha noted that the delegation had not received reports of misconduct among Kaduna pilgrims and urged them to remain disciplined and comply with Saudi regulations as preparations begin for their return to Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, praised pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the exercise and appealed for continued compliance during the return process.He informed pilgrims that Saudi authorities, with the approval of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), have introduced strict baggage regulations.
According to him, each pilgrim is allowed two checked bags weighing no more than 23 kilograms each and one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kilograms.Salihu said the measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth and timely departure process from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and urged pilgrims to comply with the guidelines.
