Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle
The Kano State Government has appointed retired Permanent Secretary, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, as Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, a move aimed at strengthening preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations.
The appointment by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf follows the resignation of the former Director-General, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu, amid political realignments within the state.
Matawalle, a veteran Hajj administrator, is returning to the agency for the third time, having previously led successful pilgrimage operations in the 1990s and again in 2010. He is credited with major reforms in Hajj logistics, including improved pilgrim welfare systems, baggage handling procedures, and accommodation arrangements.
Officials say his return is expected to stabilise preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage, especially as the agency faced tight deadlines for registration and data uploads required by Saudi authorities.
Under his leadership, Kano has successfully secured visas for all intending pilgrims, with airlifting scheduled to begin on May 14, 2026, from the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The agency says accommodation, transport, and welfare arrangements for pilgrims have been completed, while a new staff welfare desk has been created to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Matawalle’s appointment has been widely described as merit-based, with officials and stakeholders noting his long experience in managing large-scale Hajj operations and his record of reforms in previous tenures.
Observers say his return is expected to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage exercise, as Kano continues to play one of the leading roles in Nigeria’s annual Hajj participation.
