Exclusive: “Our Goal is to Fully Prepare Every FCT Pilgrim” — Edah
By Auwal Ahmad
Mallam Kadiri Edah, Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board
As preparations for the 2027 Hajj gather pace, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has intensified efforts to ensure intending pilgrims complete every stage of the process well ahead of Saudi Arabia’s strict timelines.
In this exclusive interview with Hajj Gazette Magazine, the Board’s Director, Mallam Kadiri Edah, discusses the success of the Board’s multilingual pilgrims’ education programme, strategies for early registration and compliance, expectations from intending pilgrims, and reforms shaping the future of Hajj administration in the FCT.
Question: The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has adopted a multilingual approach to Hajj education and orientation, using seven different languages. What informed this initiative, and what impact has it had on pilgrims’ preparedness?
Mallam Kadiri Edah: Our primary objective is to ensure that every intending pilgrim clearly understands the religious rites, travel procedures and official guidelines relating to Hajj. We recognised that many pilgrims are more comfortable communicating in their native languages and may not fully grasp important information if it is delivered in only one language.
Introducing seven languages into our orientation programme has significantly improved communication and participation. Pilgrims now engage more confidently during the sessions, ask questions freely and gain a better understanding of both the spiritual and practical aspects of Hajj. Ultimately, this has enhanced their preparedness and confidence before travelling to the Holy Land.
Question: Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter timelines for Hajj preparations, making early compliance a priority. What measures has the Board taken to ensure intending pilgrims complete their registration and documentation on schedule?
Mallam Kadiri Edah: Early compliance has become essential under the new Saudi Hajj framework. Immediately after receiving the official guidelines, we commenced an extensive public awareness campaign and simultaneously began the sale of Hajj application forms to encourage intending pilgrims to begin the process without delay.
We also mobilised our Area Officers across the Federal Capital Territory to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders and Imams. Their involvement has been invaluable in sensitising communities on the importance of early registration, passport submission and timely completion of all required documentation.
Our objective is straightforward: every intending pilgrim from the FCT should meet Saudi Arabia’s requirements well before the deadlines, thereby avoiding last-minute complications.
Question: Successful Hajj operations require active cooperation from pilgrims. What expectations does the Board have regarding payments, orientation, medical screening and compliance with official regulations?
Exclusive: “Our Goal is to Fully Prepare Every FCT Pilgrim” — Edah
Mallam Kadiri Edah: We are fortunate to enjoy excellent cooperation from our pilgrims, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment. More than 90 per cent of our intending pilgrims consistently participate in our education and orientation programmes, attend medical screening exercises and receive the required vaccinations within the stipulated timeframe.
We encourage all intending pilgrims to maintain this positive attitude by making timely payments, attending every orientation session, complying fully with medical requirements and observing all regulations issued by both Nigerian authorities and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is a highly coordinated international operation. Compliance by every pilgrim contributes significantly to a smooth, safe and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage for all.
Question: Looking beyond the 2027 Hajj, what reforms or innovations is the Board introducing to further strengthen Hajj administration and improve pilgrims’ welfare?
Mallam Kadiri Edah: Hajj administration continues to evolve, and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is committed to keeping pace with these developments.
One notable reform introduced by the Saudi authorities requires every Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to register with an approved Hajj service provider before visas can be issued. This reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to modernise Hajj administration and indicates an increasing role for structured partnerships in service delivery.
Another important initiative is the Hajj Savings Scheme. The programme allows intending pilgrims to save gradually over time rather than making a lump-sum payment shortly before Hajj. We believe this initiative will improve financial planning, make Hajj more accessible to many Muslims and encourage earlier preparation.
As a Board, we remain focused on embracing innovation, strengthening service delivery and ensuring that pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory continue to benefit from one of the most efficient Hajj administration systems in Nigeria.
With Saudi Arabia placing greater emphasis on early planning, digital compliance and enhanced service delivery, the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of modern Hajj administration. Through multilingual education, proactive community engagement and support for reforms such as the Hajj Savings Scheme, the Board aims to equip intending pilgrims with the knowledge and preparation required for a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
