The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has begun mandatory medical screening and immunisation for intending pilgrims registered for the Hajj 2026 exercise in Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to meet the Kingdom’s stringent health requirements.
According to a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, the exercise kicked off on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Pilgrims Camp Clinic in Kano, and will involve comprehensive medical tests, routine immunisations, and pregnancy tests for female pilgrims.
Addressing participants while supervising activities at the Hajj Training Centre in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the Board’s Director-General, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, reiterated the importance of strict adherence to all laid‑down rules to ensure a successful and seamless pilgrimage.
Represented by the Director of Propagation, Education and Enlightenment, Alhaji Murtala Lawan Sani, he noted that the screening and immunisation measures are intended to safeguard pilgrims’ health and ensure compliance with international health regulations governing the exercise.
Matawalle also encouraged pilgrims to be attentive during the induction courses, stressing that the lessons will help them better understand the procedures and rites involved in performing Hajj in the Holy Land.
He further advised pilgrims to “strictly adhere to their assigned flight schedules and remain within the groups assigned to their respective local government areas,” a directive aimed at enhancing coordination and organisation throughout the pilgrimage.
In a separate warning ahead of the screening, the board’s Director‑General, Alhaji Lamin Rabi’u, stressed the mandatory nature of the medical exercise, adding, “Any intending pilgrim who fails to participate in the medical screening will not be issued a visa. Pilgrims should take the exercise seriously, as it is mandatory.”
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has urged all intending pilgrims to strictly comply with Saudi Arabia’s medical eligibility guidelines for Hajj 2026, noting that individuals with certain chronic, infectious, and high‑risk conditions will not be permitted to travel.
NAHCON’s advisory emphasises that “mandatory medical screening will be conducted for all registered pilgrims before a visa is issued. Medical clearance is a condition for travel,” adding that those diagnosed with specified health conditions “are not permitted to undertake the 2026 Hajj, in line with Saudi Arabia’s health requirements and safety conditions.”
Saudi regulations also require valid vaccination certificates for COVID‑19, Meningococcal, Polio, and Yellow Fever to be presented before departure, as part of the health prerequisites for pilgrims.
