By Our Correspondent
MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia — The Amirul Hajj of Katsina State, Barrister Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, has reassured pilgrims from the state that their welfare, accommodation and feeding arrangements remain secure despite uncertainties surrounding their return flight schedule to Nigeria.
The assurance came following a meeting of the Katsina State Hajj Delegation, Board and Management of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board held in Makkah on Sunday night to review developments regarding the state’s return airlift.
Addressing members at the meeting, El-Marzuq disclosed that the delegation had received information indicating that the return flights for Katsina pilgrims, originally expected to commence on June 11, 2026, might be delayed due to changes in flight slot allocations by Saudi authorities.
He said he had already briefed Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on the development and sought his intervention.
The Amirul Hajj also revealed that he personally contacted the proprietor of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, whose airline is responsible for transporting Katsina pilgrims, and was informed that the adjustment resulted from decisions taken by Saudi aviation authorities rather than the airline.
According to him, subsequent discussions with airline officials suggested that the situation could improve, as there was a possibility of Katsina State receiving an additional flight slot, which would help reduce the anticipated delay.
The meeting also reviewed reports of rumours circulating among pilgrims, including claims that food supplies would be discontinued and accommodation arrangements terminated if the return schedule was extended.
Reacting to the concerns, the Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Kabir Bature, clarified that accommodation and feeding arrangements for pilgrims remained intact and adequately covered.
He reminded members that pilgrims had earlier signed undertakings acknowledging that their stay in the Holy Land could last between 35 and 40 days, depending on operational circumstances.
Following the meeting, the Amirul Hajj, accompanied by members of the delegation, Board and management of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, embarked on visits to all three major hotels housing Katsina pilgrims in Makkah, including the hotel designated for female pilgrims.
During the visits, El-Marzuq personally briefed the pilgrims on the situation and assured them that no one would be denied food or asked to vacate their accommodation should their stay be extended.
He explained the respective responsibilities of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), airlines and Saudi authorities in the planning and execution of Hajj operations.
The Amirul Hajj urged the pilgrims to remain calm and patient, disregard rumours and misinformation, and continue praying for a favourable resolution of the issue.
“We are engaging continuously with the airline, NAHCON and other relevant authorities to ensure the earliest possible return of our pilgrims,” he said.
The meeting resolved that pilgrims should continue to receive accurate and timely information while efforts are intensified to secure improved flight allocations for Katsina State and facilitate a smooth return journey to Nigeria.
