2026 HAJJ: FCT MPWB HOLDS SECOND PHASE OF EDUCATION AND ORIENTATION FOR INTENDING PILGRIMS

By: Ahmad Saleh

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB) has conducted the second phase of its Education and Orientation Exercise for intending pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj.

The two-day programme, which is the second in a series of planned sessions, took place over the weekend at the Board’s Permanent Hajj Transit Camp in Bassan Jiwa, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Addressing the pilgrims, the Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, explained that the exercise was designed to equip intending pilgrims with the necessary knowledge to perform an acceptable Hajj and Umrah. He noted that the programme covers essential aspects such as rites and procedures, relevant Nigerian and Saudi Arabian laws, entry and exit requirements, as well as the new policies guiding the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Malam Kadiri reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation in 2026 and beyond. He stated that the Board is prioritizing early preparation, continuous engagement with pilgrims, and adequate logistical arrangements to ensure that FCT pilgrims receive full value for their resources.

During the exercise, selected Islamic scholars and preachers from across the FCT facilitated the sessions.

To ensure effective communication and understanding, the scholars conducted lectures in seven Nigerian languages across seven different classes in English, Hausa, Fulfulde, Yoruba, Nupe, Gana-Gana, and Egbira.

Abuja Digest reports that the MPWB is expected to organize a total of four phases of the Education and Orientation Exercise this year. The programme will also include a practical session featuring a symbolic Hajj exercise, aimed particularly at first-time pilgrims, ahead of the commencement of the airlift to the Holy Land.

It would be recalled that the Board had earlier conducted the first phase of the programme during the penultimate weekend. This was followed by a mandatory medical screening exercise to assess the physical health and mental fitness of the intending pilgrims.

The process also paved the way for the uploading of pilgrims’ data onto the Nusuk-Masar platform for visa issuance, in line with the guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj exercise.