A Look at NAHCON’s 59-Point Hajj Checklist for Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
As preparations for Hajj continue each year, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) provides a comprehensive 59-point Hajj Checklist to help intending pilgrims prepare adequately for the spiritual journey and avoid common travel-related challenges.
Available on the Commission’s Hajj Companion platform, the checklist serves as a practical guide covering every stage of the pilgrimage, including documentation, packing, health, travel, pre-departure preparations, safety and return arrangements.
The document begins with essential travel requirements, advising pilgrims to ensure they possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a Hajj visa, flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation, vaccination certificates, travel insurance documents, photocopies of important documents and an emergency contact list.
NAHCON also recommends packing essential clothing and personal items such as two sets of Ihram garments, comfortable walking sandals, lightweight modest clothing, umbrellas, waist pouches, prayer mats, sunglasses and small backpacks.
To help pilgrims maintain good health during the pilgrimage, the checklist encourages them to carry prescription medications, paracetamol, sunscreen, first aid kits, oral rehydration salts, hand sanitizers, face masks and blister plasters.
A Look at NAHCON’s 59-Point Hajj Checklist for Pilgrims
Beyond physical preparations, the Commission highlights several important personal and spiritual obligations.
These include settling outstanding debts, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, updating wills, studying Hajj rites, memorizing essential supplications, completing required vaccinations and informing banks of intended travel dates.
The health and safety section emphasizes preventive measures such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to intense heat, eating balanced meals, maintaining proper hygiene, wearing supportive footwear, taking regular rest breaks and avoiding unnecessary physical strain during Hajj rituals.
For the return journey, NAHCON advises pilgrims to pack their luggage a day before departure, inspect hotel rooms before checking out, avoid placing Zamzam water and power banks in checked baggage, properly label Zamzam containers, comply with group movement schedules and arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure.
By following the checklist, intending pilgrims can improve their readiness for Hajj, minimize avoidable inconveniences and focus more fully on the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
