The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced mandatory medical screening for all 2,247 intending pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj exercise from the state.
The chairman of the agency, Aliyu Musa, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the agency’s board, explaining that the exercise is in compliance with the 2026 Hajj health requirements issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to Musa, the Saudi authorities have stipulated mandatory and recommended health conditions that pilgrims from all countries, including Nigeria, must meet before undertaking the pilgrimage.
“The guidelines are aimed at ensuring that pilgrims are physically fit and free from ailments that could endanger their health or that of other pilgrims during the Hajj,” he said.
He noted that the Saudi Ministry of Health has identified certain conditions that could disqualify individuals from performing Hajj, including severe heart, lung or kidney diseases, advanced chronic illnesses, as well as serious mental or psychological disorders.
Speaking on preparations for the 2026 Hajj, Musa said the agency had begun early planning to ensure a smooth, safe and spiritually rewarding exercise for pilgrims from Sokoto State.
He said preparations cover key areas such as registration, welfare services, logistics, accommodation, transportation, health services and orientation programmes, adding that early planning would help prevent last-minute challenges.
“By mobilising early and engaging relevant stakeholders, the agency is determined to deliver a seamless Hajj experience in line with international best practices and the guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,” he said.
The chairman added that continuous sensitisation and enlightenment programmes would be organised to adequately prepare pilgrims spiritually and administratively, while calling on stakeholders to support the agency to ensure a successful 2026 Hajj.
