Zamfara airport begins first-ever Hajj airlift for pilgrims

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Zamfara State International Airport has commenced the airlift of pilgrims from Gusau to Saudi Arabia.

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This marks the first time such operations are being conducted from the state since its creation in 1996.

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Governor Dauda Lawal disclosed this on Friday while addressing intending pilgrims at the airport.

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He said 415 pilgrims would be airlifted in the first batch out of a total of 1,451 expected to perform the 2026 Hajj from the state.

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According to him, the airport project, which was initiated by previous administrations, had remained incomplete before his government resumed work on it in 2024.

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He said his administration prioritised completing the facility to ease the burden of travelling long distances to Sokoto for airlifting.

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“When I took over the administration of the state, I met the airport at insignificant stage of completion,” he said.

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“I assured the people of the state that I would do my very best to ensure that our pilgrims are airlifted from Gusau considering the hazards involved in travelling to Sokoto airport from Gusau.

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“I thank God that today my promise has been fulfilled, as you can now see today we have commenced airlift of our pilgrims.”

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The governor urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state while in Saudi Arabia.

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“You should behave well and perform the Hajj as directed by God,” he said.

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“You should also pray for Nigeria and Zamfara State for peace and progress to reign.”

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