Officials of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board have taken a team from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the 2024 Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Kagara, Malam Attahiru Garba Gunna, on an inspection of the Minna International Airport in preparation for this year’s airlift of pilgrims from Minna to Saudi Arabia.
Executive secretary of the pilgrims welfare board, Sheikh Mohammad Awwal Aliyu, had earlier received a team from the NCAA as part of the inspection.
He disclosed that the inspection was for assessment of works ongoing to ensure that the airport meets all necessary requirements for the smooth and secure airlift of pilgrims from Minna.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of the work going on, saying if the pace and was sustained, intending pilgrims would be airlifted from the airport.
The amirul hajj in his remarks spoke on the significance of ensuring safe and comfortable journeys for pilgrims.
NCCA team leader, Muka Lawal Hadiza Nene, said the purpose of the visit was to assess the airport’s readiness and safety standards.
According to the team leader, the certification process conducted by the NCCA team is crucial in guaranteeing that the Minna Airport meets all necessary safety standards and regulations for the successful airlift of pilgrims.