A faith‑based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for releasing its 2026 Hajj flight manifest ahead of schedule and urged other states to emulate it..
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group described the move as a major step toward transparency and efficiency in Hajj operations.
It praised the Executive Secretary Alhaji Farouk Enabo and his management team for complying with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON’s directive on timely disclosure of travel schedules.
According to IHR, early publication of the manifest helps intending pilgrims plan properly and reduces anxiety before the airlift.
“We commend the Kebbi State Pilgrims Board for releasing its flight manifest well ahead of the airlift.
“This aligns with NAHCON’s directive to ensure pilgrims are informed early about their departure dates to enable proper planning,” it stated.
The CSO noted that releasing the manifest about 17 days before airlift shows growing improvement in Nigeria’s Hajj management.
“This development reflects a significant improvement in the standard of Hajj operations, particularly in pre‑airlift arrangements,” it added.
The IHR urged other state pilgrims’ welfare boards to adopt the practice to boost coordination nationwide.
“We call on other states to emulate this commendable initiative, as it will greatly improve the overall standard of Hajj airlift operations,” the group said.
It also lauded NAHCON for enforcing regulatory guidelines and ensuring stakeholder compliance.
The organisation called for sustained public enlightenment so pilgrims stay fully informed once schedules are finalised.
“We urge continued awareness campaigns so that pilgrims are fully informed once their schedules are finalised,” the statement concluded.