The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded a three-day mandatory medical screening exercise for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, held at its Permanent Hajj Transit Camp, Bassan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The exercise, conducted from Monday, January 12 to Wednesday, January 14, was organised to assess the physical and mental fitness of pilgrims ahead of the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims from Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada area councils were screened on the first day, followed by those from Bwari, Kuje and the Municipal Area Council on the second day, while officials and desk officers of the board were attended to on the final day.
According to Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Hajj health guidelines, pilgrims must be certified free from certain medical conditions, including major organ failure, psychiatric or neurological disorders, active cancer, tuberculosis, haemorrhagic fever and pregnancy. The screening, carried out in collaboration with the FCT Public Health Department, is in line with directives issued through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, which requires all intending pilgrims to obtain a medical certificate of fitness before visa processing.
The board said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with international health requirements and to guarantee a safe and successful Hajj for pilgrims from the federal capital territory.
