Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the screening and weighing of pilgrims’ luggage to ensure compliance with airline regulations and prevent the transportation of prohibited items.
Chairman of the Luggage Screening and Weighing Sub-Committee, Professor Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe, disclosed that the exercise began on Thursday night as part of preparations for the return journey of Kaduna pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, Prof. Gwadabe commended the pilgrims for their orderly conduct and adherence to the directives issued by the airline and the agency.
He explained that weighing scales had been provided on all floors of the pilgrims’ accommodation to enable intending passengers check the weight of their luggage before presenting them for official screening.
According to him, the luggage belonging to pilgrims scheduled on the first return flight has already been successfully screened, while their two approved 23-kilogram bags are being evacuated from the pilgrims’ residence for onward processing.
The committee chairman reiterated that each pilgrim is entitled to two checked-in bags weighing 23 kilograms each, while hand luggage must not exceed eight kilograms.
He further warned that sharp objects, liquids and other prohibited items are not allowed in checked-in luggage, adding that excessive quantities of perfumes would also not be permitted on board the aircraft.
Prof. Gwadabe also announced an adjustment to the return flight schedule, stating that the first return flight will now commence on June 16 instead of the earlier date of June 15.
He urged pilgrims to remain patient and use the additional day to offer prayers for themselves, their families, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
