FCT To Commence 2026 Hajj Orientation For Pilgrims

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will commence its crucial education and orientation programme for 2026 intending pilgrims this weekend, marking the official start of preparations for the holy pilgrimage.

A statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, announced that the first phase of the exercise is scheduled for Saturday, 10, and Sunday, 11 January 2026, at the FCT Permanent Hajj Camp in Basan Jiwa.

According to the spokesperson, the board has mobilised Islamic scholars for the exercise, designed to prepare pilgrims for a smooth Hajj.

“The exercise would be conducted in phases and in seven languages as usual to enable the Intending Pilgrims get acquainted with the Hajj rites as well as new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi Authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

“The Board has already mapped out strategies to educate the intending pilgrims on the religious exercise, especially as new policies were introduced by the Saudi Arabian government this year which are more challenging to the success of the journey.

“We urge all intending pilgrims to take advantage of the exercise to get value for their money by attaining proper guidance on the journey, enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and discharge their religious obligations in accordance with the Islamic doctrines,” he said.

He further stated that following the orientation, the Board will begin a compulsory medical screening for all intending pilgrims from Monday, January 12 2026, at the same Hajj camp.

“The screening would enable the board to determine the health status of all intending pilgrims which is one of the major requirements for the issuance of visa by Saudi Arabia this year. Without the medical screening, the Board would not be able to secure pilgrims’ visa to Saudi Arabia,” he stated.

He said that the screening will be conducted daily from 8:00 am according to a scheduled breakdown by Area Council and registration centre.

The Board’s public  relations officer also used the opportunity to call on those yet to complete their documentation to do so immediately.

“All intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passports to do so immediately to enable the Board commence the process of their travel documents,” he stated.