ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially launched its countdown to the 2026 Hajj exercise, announcing that mandatory orientation and education programmes will kick off this weekend.
Orientation Kick-Off
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Aliyu, confirmed that the first phase of the exercise is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Aliyu, confirmed that the first phase of the exercise is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The sessions will be held at the FCT Permanent Hajj Camp in Basan Jiwa, located near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. To ensure every pilgrim is reached, the orientation will be delivered in seven different languages, covering essential religious rites and updated Saudi Arabian policies.
New Challenges, New Strategies
Aliyu revealed that Islamic scholars have been mobilized to prepare pilgrims for what he described as “challenging” new regulations introduced by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Aliyu revealed that Islamic scholars have been mobilized to prepare pilgrims for what he described as “challenging” new regulations introduced by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“The Board has mapped out strategies to educate intending pilgrims on the religious exercise, especially as new policies introduced by the Saudi Arabian government this year are more challenging,” Aliyu stated.
Mandatory Medical Screening Schedule
Crucially, the Board announced that compulsory medical screenings—a prerequisite for visa issuance—will begin on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM daily. The schedule is as follows:
Crucially, the Board announced that compulsory medical screenings—a prerequisite for visa issuance—will begin on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM daily. The schedule is as follows:
- Jan 12: Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils.
- Jan 13: Kuje, Bwari, and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
- Jan 14: Headquarters, JAIZ, and Annexe registrants.
Urgent Notice on Documentation
The Board warned that failure to undergo medical screening will result in the automatic denial of a Hajj visa. Additionally, intending pilgrims who have yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passports are urged to do so immediately to avoid being disqualified from the 2026 spiritual journey.
The Board warned that failure to undergo medical screening will result in the automatic denial of a Hajj visa. Additionally, intending pilgrims who have yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passports are urged to do so immediately to avoid being disqualified from the 2026 spiritual journey.