Dauda Lawal has recorded a major milestone in the history of Zamfara State following the inaugural Hajj flight from the newly constructed Gusau International Airport.
The inaugural flight departed on Friday with 415 intending pilgrims from Zamfara State aboard a Max Air aircraft, flight NGL270, heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
According to officials, the pilgrims comprised 288 males and 127 females.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Lawal expressed joy over the successful takeoff, describing the airport project as a landmark achievement of his administration.
“I am happy today that our pilgrims will be flying directly from Gusau International Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage,” the governor said.
He recalled that construction of the airport began on June 18, 2024, noting that many critics doubted the project would materialise.
“Many doubted this would become a reality, but today it has. We began building this International Airport on June 18, 2024,” he stated.
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The governor added that the new airport would ease the burden previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Kano or Sokoto before boarding flights for Hajj.
“In less than four hours, they will reach Saudi Arabia. Before, our pilgrims had to travel to Sokoto or Kano before they could fly for Hajj,” he said.
Lawal described the inaugural flight as a fulfilment of campaign promises and pledged to continue implementing projects aimed at improving the lives of residents in the state.
“Words cannot fully express my happiness, but I will say this is a historic milestone and a fulfilment of our campaign promises. I am committed to doing even more for our dear state,” he added.
The governor also disclosed that discussions had already commenced with airline operators to begin commercial flight operations from the airport.
“We have already begun discussions with airlines that will operate commercial flights from the Gusau International Airport,” he said.
He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Zamfara State and Nigeria during their pilgrimage while wishing them a successful journey and Hajj exercise.