2026 Hajj: Sokoto Subject 2,247 Pilgrims to Medical Screening
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced compulsory medical screening for all 2,247 intending pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj exercise from the state.
The Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Agency’s Board, stating that the screening is a non-negotiable requirement in line with the 2026 Hajj health regulations issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This was disclosed in a statement that was issued by the Head, Information and Communications of the agency, Faruku Umar. According to him, the chairman stated that Saudi authorities have introduced mandatory and recommended health benchmarks applicable to all participating countries, including Nigeria.
The policy is designed to ensure that pilgrims are medically fit and do not pose health risks to themselves or others during the pilgrimage. Musa noted that the Saudi Ministry of Health has identified specific medical conditions that could disqualify prospective pilgrims, including severe cardiac, pulmonary and renal diseases, advanced chronic illnesses, as well as serious mental or psychological disorders.
Commenting on broader preparations for the 2026 Hajj, the Chairman said the Agency has activated early-stage operational frameworks to guarantee a smooth, safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Sokoto State pilgrims. He stressed that the Agency is adopting a proactive, structured approach anchored on effective planning and inter-agency coordination.
He explained that preparations span all critical components of Hajj operations, including registration, pilgrim welfare, logistics, accommodation, transportation, healthcare delivery and orientation programmes. According to him, early mobilisation is a strategic move to eliminate last-minute disruptions that could undermine pilgrim comfort, safety and overall experience.
The Chairman further emphasized that the Agency’s early engagement with key stakeholders underscores its commitment to delivering a seamless Hajj operation aligned with international best practices and the guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He added that sustained sensitisation and enlightenment programmes will be rolled out to adequately prepare intending pilgrims, both spiritually and administratively, ahead of the journey.
As implementation progresses, the Chairman called on all stakeholders to provide maximum cooperation and institutional support to ensure the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise for the benefit of all pilgrims from Sokoto State.
