Kaduna begins Hajj pilgrims’ luggage screening exercise

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the screening and weighing of luggage belonging to intending pilgrims to ensure compliance with airline regulations and to prevent the carriage of contraband items.

Chairman of the Luggage Screening and Weighing Sub-Committee, Professor Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe, said the exercise began on Thursday night.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, the committee commended Kaduna pilgrims for adhering strictly to the prescribed guidelines.

Prof. Gwadabe explained that weighing scales had been provided across different floors of the pilgrims’ residence to allow passengers to verify their luggage before formal screening.

He added that luggage belonging to passengers on the first flight had already been successfully screened, with their checked bags evacuated from the pilgrims’ residence.

According to him, each pilgrim is permitted two checked bags of 23 kilograms each, while hand luggage must not exceed eight kilograms.

He also warned that sharp objects, liquids, and large quantities of perfume are prohibited in checked luggage in line with aviation safety regulations.

Prof. Gwadabe further disclosed that the return flight date had been adjusted from June 15 to June 16, urging pilgrims to remain patient and cooperative.

He encouraged them to use the additional day to offer prayers for themselves, their families, Kaduna State, and the country at large.