By Stanley Onyekwere
As the countdown to the 2026 Hajj season begins, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced a mandatory vaccination and inoculation exercise for all intending pilgrims.
The exercise is scheduled to take place this weekend at the Permanent Hajj Transit Camp, Bassan Jiwa, located near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, emphasized that the medical screening is a non-negotiable requirement. Participation is vital for pilgrims to obtain their e-Yellow Cards, a mandatory travel document for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He explained that to ensure a seamless process and avoid overcrowding, the Board has divided the exercise into two batches: Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Board Headquarters (HQ) will have theirs this Saturday, while Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), and Annex will take place on Sunday respectively.
This was contained in a statement released Thursday by Ahmad Saleh, the Chief Information Officer of the FCT MPWB.
According to Malam Edah, the medical intervention is designed to protect pilgrims from various health risks associated with large international gatherings. The vaccinations will provide immunity against:
Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) Yellow Fever, Influenza, and Poliomyelitis.
“This exercise is essential. We are ensuring that every FCT pilgrim is medically fortified against infectious diseases before embarking on this holy journey,” the Director stated.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that “the Board has instructed all intending pilgrims to bring the following items to the Transit Camp:
Proof of payment for Hajj forms and seat purchases and International Passports.
“Anyone still in possession of their e-passport must submit it to Board officials during the exercise for processing”, the statement added.
