The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has made it mandatory for all intending pilgrims to receive the polio vaccine ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulrahman Idris, confirmed that the 2,200 pilgrims registered for the Holy pilgrimage must be vaccinated at least six weeks before their scheduled departure to Saudi Arabia.
Idris emphasized that this directive, issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), is a crucial health and safety measure to protect Nigerian pilgrims. He also made it clear that pilgrims who fail to comply with the vaccine requirement would be barred from traveling.
“This instruction comes directly from NAHCON as part of the efforts to ensure the well-being of all Nigerian pilgrims during the pilgrimage,” Idris stated during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters in Bauchi.
The Executive Secretary further informed that the Hajj registration for this year has officially closed. He assured that all necessary travel arrangements, including luggage, uniforms, bags, and other essentials, would be ready in the next two weeks.
Idris also urged pilgrims who have yet to submit their passport photos with a white background to do so immediately to avoid delays in obtaining their visas from Saudi Arabia.
In addition, he reminded those who have not completed their Hajj fare payments that they have the option to either withdraw their funds or leave them in the Board’s account for next year.
He concluded by calling on all pilgrims to cooperate fully with the Board to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj experience.
