The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has concluded arrangements to commence medical screening of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the Kauran Gwandu Hajj Camp in Birnin Kebbi.
The meeting, which brought together board members, management staff, Hajj guides and the medical team, was presided over by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Faruku Aliyu Yaro, also known as Jagaban Gwandu. Discussions focused on critical issues surrounding preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
It was announced that the screening exercise would begin on Monday, January 26, 2026, starting in Birnin Kebbi. The medical tests include tuberculosis, hypertension, kidney function, psychological assessment and pregnancy tests, among others.
Yaro stressed that compliance with Saudi Arabian health and operational guidelines was mandatory, warning that any intending pilgrim who fails to meet the requirements would not be allowed to perform the 2026 Hajj.
He also urged intending pilgrims to submit their international passports on or before Thursday, January 28, 2026, noting that the relevant portal would be closed on January 30.
The agency expressed hope that the Saudi authorities would grant additional Hajj slots to Nigeria as logistical preparations and other modalities intensify ahead of the pilgrimage.
