The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced preparations for the 2026 Hajj, with plans to inoculate 1,600 intending pilgrims ahead of their journey to Saudi Arabia.
The Board Secretary, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the exercise is part of mandatory health requirements for international travel and participation in the pilgrimage.
He explained that pilgrims will receive vaccines for meningitis, oral polio, yellow fever and influenza, in collaboration with officials of the Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The inoculation exercise is scheduled to run from April 20 to April 29, 2026, at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas Mosque Hall, Secretariat, Ikeja, and will be conducted on a local government basis.
According to the schedule, pilgrims from Agege and Somolu will begin the exercise on April 20, followed by Ajeromi, Apapa and Ojo on April 21, while Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin and Badagry are slated for April 22.
Pilgrims from Ikeja, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin and Surulere will be attended to on April 23, with those from Ikorodu, Eti-Osa, Kosofe and Epe scheduled for April 27.
Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and other groups, including JAIZ, NIA and Royal pilgrims, will have their turn on April 28, while the exercise will conclude on April 29 with government officials.
Ajomagberin urged all intending pilgrims to comply with the schedule, warning that failure to undergo the mandatory vaccination could result in disqualification from the pilgrimage, in line with regulations by Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Board has also commenced weekend sensitisation lectures across local government areas to properly educate intending pilgrims on the rites and expectations of the Hajj.
He added that the sessions, facilitated by accredited Islamic scholars, are designed to equip pilgrims with the necessary knowledge while also encouraging interaction and unity among participants ahead of the spiritual exercise.