FCT to Commence Orientation, Medical Screening for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), Abuja, has announced plans to begin the education and orientation exercise for 2026 intending pilgrims this weekend, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj.
The Board said the first phase of the orientation programme will hold on Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the FCT Permanent Hajj Camp, Basan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, said Islamic scholars have been fully mobilised to ensure pilgrims are adequately prepared for the religious exercise.
“The orientation will be conducted in phases and delivered in seven languages, as usual, to enable intending pilgrims fully understand the Hajj rites and also acquaint themselves with new policies introduced by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),” Aliyu said.
He noted that the Board has adopted targeted strategies to address emerging challenges, particularly the new operational guidelines introduced by the Saudi Arabian government for the 2026 Hajj.
“These new policies are more demanding, and proper enlightenment is critical to the success of the journey. That is why we are placing strong emphasis on early and comprehensive orientation,” he added.
Aliyu advised all intending pilgrims from the FCT to attend every programme organised by the Board, stressing that full participation would help them perform an acceptable Hajj in line with Islamic principles.
He said, “The exercise is designed to give pilgrims value for their money by providing proper guidance, deepening their knowledge of Hajj rites and ensuring they discharge their religious obligations correctly.”
Meanwhile, the Board has also scheduled a compulsory medical screening for all intending pilgrims, beginning Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Permanent Hajj Camp.
According to the PRO, the screening is a critical requirement for visa processing by the Saudi authorities. “The medical screening will enable the Board to determine the health status of each pilgrim, which is now a key requirement for visa issuance this year,” Aliyu stated.
He explained that pilgrims from Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji Area Councils will be screened on Monday, January 12, while those from Kuje, Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) will undergo screening on Tuesday, January 13. Pilgrims who registered through the Board’s headquarters, JAIZ and Annex are scheduled for Wednesday, January 14.
Aliyu warned that the screening will commence at 8:00 a.m. daily and stressed that failure to participate would automatically disqualify any pilgrim from obtaining a Hajj visa. “Without medical screening, the Board will not be able to secure a visa for any pilgrim,” he said.
He further urged intending pilgrims who are yet to submit their completed application forms or international passports to do so immediately to avoid delays in processing their travel documents.
