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By Tracy Moses
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB) has fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for the final phase of its orientation programme for intending pilgrims, ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The two-day exercise will hold at the Permanent Hajj Transit Camp, Bassan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, beginning at 8:00 a.m. daily.
In a statement issued by the Board’s Chief Information Officer, Ahmad Saleh, all registered intending pilgrims were directed to attend, with participation declared mandatory.
“Attendance at this final orientation is not optional. It is critical to ensuring that all intending pilgrims are adequately prepared for the Hajj exercise,” Saleh stated.
However, the renewed insistence on compulsory participation highlights lingering compliance challenges that have affected Hajj operations over the years.
Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, acknowledged the importance of the programme in addressing these gaps.
“This programme is crucial to intending pilgrims, as it is designed to impart the knowledge required to perform an acceptable Hajj in line with Islamic principles,” he said.
Industry observers note that beyond spiritual guidance, orientation exercises have increasingly become a tool for preventing costly mistakes by pilgrims.
“In recent years, we have seen cases where pilgrims run into trouble simply because they are not well informed about Saudi regulations,” Edah added. “This orientation is meant to eliminate such avoidable issues.”
Nigeria’s Hajj operations have, in the past, been challenged by issues ranging from documentation errors to violations of immigration and customs rules, sometimes resulting in delays or sanctions.
Edah stressed that the Board is taking a more proactive approach.
“We are not just preparing them spiritually; we are preparing them administratively and legally. Pilgrims must understand what is expected of them before they leave Nigeria,” he said.
As part of its mandate, the Board has continued to organise phased training programmes in line with guidelines from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), covering registration, medical screening, and earlier orientation sessions.
According to Edah, the final phase is particularly critical.
“This is the stage where we consolidate everything. Any gaps identified earlier are addressed, and pilgrims are given final, practical guidance before departure,” he explained.
He disclosed that the orientation will include briefings on new Hajj policies, operational procedures, and key requirements for the 2026 exercise.
“We will also educate them on Saudi Arabian laws, immigration processes, customs regulations, and very importantly, drug control laws. These are areas where ignorance can have serious consequences,” Edah warned.
He further emphasised the risks associated with non-compliance.
“Some pilgrims carry items they are not supposed to carry, sometimes unknowingly. This programme is to ensure that such incidents are avoided completely,” he said.
The sessions will also cover personal hygiene, health, and safety measures, reflecting evolving global health concerns.
On logistics, Edah assured that the Board is improving its operations.
“We are committed to improving pilgrims’ welfare, ensuring better accommodation, and guaranteeing prompt airlift and seamless logistics for this year’s Hajj and beyond,” he said.
Despite these assurances, concerns persist in some quarters over recurring challenges such as flight delays and accommodation standards during previous Hajj exercises.
Edah, however, maintained that lessons have been learned.
“We have reviewed past experiences and made necessary adjustments. Our goal is to deliver a smoother and more efficient Hajj operation this year,” he stated.
Ultimately, the Board reiterated that attendance at the final orientation remains compulsory for all intending pilgrims.
“Every pilgrim must attend. It is in their own interest and for the overall success of the exercise,” Saleh added.