Intending pilgrims from Badagry and Ojo communities have commenced mandatory medical screening for the 2026 Hajj exercise, following the official launch of the programme by the Lagos State Government ahead of the pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The screening exercise, which began on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is scheduled to run until Saturday, January 24, 2026, and is being conducted across ten designated centres statewide. For pilgrims from Badagry axis, the exercise is taking place at the General Hospital, Badagry, which serves both Badagry and Ojo Local Government Areas.

The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Abdul-Hakeem Ajomagberin, confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that the screening is a compulsory requirement for all intending pilgrims processed through Lagos State.

According to him, the exercise is being coordinated by the Board’s medical team under the leadership of Dr Mazeedat Erinosho, and has been decentralised to ensure accessibility, efficiency and smooth operations across the state.

“Attendance at the medical screening is mandatory. Any intending pilgrim who fails to participate will automatically be disqualified from obtaining an entry visa from the Saudi authorities,” Ajomagberin warned.

Beyond Badagry, other screening centres include Agege, Ikeja, Mushin, Ibeju-Lekki, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Surulere, Ikorodu, Alimosho and LASUTH, Ikeja, with Local Government Areas grouped under specific venues to ease coordination.

In a move aimed at strengthening welfare coordination, the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has also appointed Local Government Schedule Officers to manage pilgrim activities and welfare both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia. Mr Gafar Mojeed has been appointed to oversee pilgrims from Badagry, while Mr Akinyemi Suraju will coordinate pilgrims from Ojo.

Ajomagberin disclosed that the appointments were formally approved by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, during a meeting with the coordinators at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. Notably, Commissioner #Layode is from Badagry, a development welcomed by stakeholders in the ancient town as a reassurance of close attention to local pilgrim welfare.

The meeting was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Mr Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe.

The Board Secretary charged all appointed officers to demonstrate professionalism, transparency and dedication, stressing that the Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring a safe, orderly and well-coordinated Hajj experience for all pilgrims.

For pilgrims in Badagry, the commencement of screening marks a significant step in preparations for the 2026 Hajj, reinforcing the state’s structured approach to pilgrimage management and the inclusion of border communities in the process.