Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board Launches Mandatory Medical Screening for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims
By Jibrin Usman Kodo
The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has officially initiated the mandatory medical screening for all prospective pilgrims of the 2026 Hajj. The exercise was officially inaugurated on Saturday, 10th January 2026, at the General Hospital in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Minna.
During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, the Executive Secretary of the Board, represented by the Director of Administration, Malam Ado Bello, emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure that all intending pilgrims are medically certified fit before undertaking the demanding spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
He added that medical screening is a compulsory component for securing Hajj visas for 2026 and announced that the process would be free of charge and conducted across all regions of the state.
He further explained that designated general hospitals in all 25 local government areas will oversee the screening, urging prospective pilgrims to visit their local hospitals promptly, especially those where they have registered and paid, stressing that compliance is mandatory.
In her address, Hajiya Rukayya Muhammad Bawa, Director of Pilgrims Welfare Services, highlighted the importance of the screening for safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims throughout the Hajj. She urged participants to cooperate fully with medical professionals to ensure thorough health assessments.
Representatives from the Operations Department, Medical Team, and Pilgrims Coordination also underscored the significance of the exercise, encouraging full participation and adherence to the schedule.
The event concluded with the official commencement of medical screenings, during which Board officials and pilgrims underwent various health assessments, including blood pressure checks and routine examinations.
