The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has officially commenced the mandatory medical screening exercise for all intending pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj.
The exercise was formally flagged off on Saturday, 10th January 2026, at the General Hospital, Chanchaga Local Government Area, Minna.
While declaring the exercise open, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, represented by the Director of Administration, Malam Ado Bello, stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that all intending pilgrims are medically fit before undertaking the rigorous spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He explained that the medical screening is a compulsory requirement for the processing of Hajj visas for the 2026 pilgrimage and announced that the exercise is free and would be decentralized statewide.
According to him, designated general hospitals in all 25 local government areas of Niger State will conduct the screening.
The Executive Secretary, therefore urged all intending pilgrims to promptly visit the general hospitals within the local government areas where they registered and made payments, stressing that compliance with the exercise is non-negotiable.
In her welcome address, the Director of Pilgrims Welfare Services, Hajiya Rukayya Muhammad Bawa, noted that the screening exercise is crucial for safeguarding the health, safety, and overall well-being of pilgrims throughout the Hajj period.
She advised intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with health professionals, assuring them that the comprehensive medical tests are strictly aimed at ensuring their fitness and preparedness for the pilgrimage.
In separate remarks, the Director of Operations, the Medical Team Lead, and the Coordinator of Pilgrims reiterated the importance of the exercise and called on all intending pilgrims to participate fully and adhere strictly to the screening schedule.
The high point of the event was the commencement of the medical screening, during which directors of the Board and intending pilgrims underwent various health assessments, including blood pressure checks and other routine medical examinations.
E-Signed
Jibrin Usman Kodo
Public Relations Officer
Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board
10th January, 2026
