LASG Kick-off Free Medical Screening for 1,600 Hajj Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Lagos State Government has commenced a free medical screening program for 1,600 intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise, reinforcing its commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and strict compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations and guidelines issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullahi, disclosed this while briefing stakeholders on the state’s preparedness for the pilgrimage at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
Abdullahi stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has prioritised pilgrims’ welfare, noting that the state-funded medical screening is aimed at determining the physical fitness of intending pilgrims for the demanding spiritual journey.
“The essence of the medical screening is to certify the health status of pilgrims and ensure they are fit for the rigorous Hajj rites,” he said.
He explained that the exercise had become imperative, as some pilgrims travel with undisclosed medical conditions that could impede their ability to complete the pilgrimage and violate Saudi Arabian health regulations.
According to him, this informed NAHCON’s directive requiring all states to conduct comprehensive medical screenings for intending pilgrims prior to departure.
“And what Lagos State is doing is that Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that no pilgrim from Lagos must pay for the medical screening. It is being paid for by the government as a welfare package, and we ensure that all the screening follows global standards,” Abdullahi added.
He further disclosed that the state has initiated early and structured preparations for the 2026 Hajj, including the appointment of Local Government Schedule Officers to coordinate and manage pilgrims’ welfare both locally and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to provide an enabling environment that allows pilgrims to perform their religious obligations without avoidable health or logistical setbacks.
The medical screening exercise is scheduled to take place across 10 centres in Lagos State between January 14 and 24, 2026.
