2026 Hajj: Edo to Conduct Second Medical Screening Ahead of Airlift
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced plans to conduct a second round of medical screening for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj airlift.
This according to the board, is part of efforts to comply with strict health requirements set by Saudi Arabia authorities.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, disclosed this in an interview with Hajj Gazette, stating that the additional screening is aimed at ensuring that all pilgrims are medically fit and properly certified before departure.
According to him, the Board is intensifying its health compliance framework by engaging external medical professionals to carry out thorough assessments, noting that the process will go beyond routine checks.
“We are going to take our medical screening very seriously because of the medical reports that will be issued to all pilgrims.
We will invite external doctors to ensure proper screening in line with Saudi requirements,” he said.
He emphasized that the move is also driven by accountability concerns, explaining that the certification process carries institutional and personal responsibility.
“As the Executive Secretary, my signature is involved, so I have to be careful. Any error in certification could have serious consequences,” he added.
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The Board, he further revealed, is already coordinating with key stakeholders, including security and immigration agencies, to fix a date for the sensitization and orientation program, which will run alongside the screening exercise.
Muhammadkabir noted that the second screening will serve as a critical safeguard to detect any underlying health conditions that may have been missed during the initial assessment, ensuring that only qualified pilgrims are cleared for the pilgrimage.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia continues to enforce stricter health and safety regulations for Hajj operations, compelling state boards across Nigeria to tighten pre-departure procedures.
The Edo Board maintained that the measure is part of its broader strategy to guarantee a seamless and compliant Hajj operation, while safeguarding the wellbeing of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
