Ahead of the 2026 Hajj, the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has officially initiated mandatory medical screening for all prospective pilgrims.
The medical screenings, which include health assessments, blood pressure checks and routine examinations, were officially inaugurated on Saturday, January 10, at the General Hospital in Chanchaga Local Government Area.
In a statement by the spokesman of the board, Usman Kodo, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Muhammad-Awwal Aliyu, represented by the Director of Administration, Ado Bello, emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure that all intending pilgrims are medically certified before undertaking the demanding spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
He added that medical screening is a compulsory component for securing Hajj visas for 2026 and announced that the process would be free of charge and conducted across all regions of the state.
Aliyu further explained that designated general hospitals in all 25 local government areas will oversee the screening, urging prospective pilgrims to visit their local hospitals promptly, especially those where they have registered and paid, stressing that compliance is mandatory.
Director of Pilgrims Welfare Services Rukayya Muhammad, highlighted the importance of the screening for safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims throughout the Hajj.
She urged participants to cooperate fully with medical professionals to ensure thorough health assessments.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
