The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT MPWB) will begin education and orientation programmes for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise this weekend.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, said the first phase of the exercise would 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.
Aliyu said Islamic scholars had been mobilised to guide intending pilgrims on Hajj rites and preparations. He explained that the orientation would be conducted in phases and in seven languages to familiarise pilgrims with the rites of Hajj and new policies introduced for the 2026 pilgrimage by Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“The Board has mapped out strategies to properly educate intending pilgrims, especially in view of new policies introduced this year which may pose additional challenges,” he said.
He urged pilgrims from the territory to attend all programmes organised by the Board, noting that full participation would help them attain an acceptable Hajj and derive value for their money.
The Board will also commence compulsory medical screening for all intending pilgrims from Monday, January 12, 2026, at the permanent Hajj camp. According to the statement, pilgrims from Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji area councils will be screened on Monday, Kuje, Bwari and Abuja Municipal on Tuesday, January 13, while those registered through the headquarters, Jaiz and annex will be screened on Wednesday, January 14.
Aliyu stressed that medical screening is a key requirement for visa issuance by Saudi Arabia, warning that “without medical screening, the Board will not be able to secure pilgrims’ visas.”
He also advised intending pilgrims yet to submit completed application forms or international passports to do so immediately to enable the commencement of travel documentation.
