The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has declared that all 2,200 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj must receive a compulsory polio vaccine. This directive, announced by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Abdulrahman Idris, during a press briefing on Tuesday at the board’s headquarters in Bauchi, is aimed at safeguarding the health of Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. Idris emphasized that the vaccination must be administered six weeks prior to departure, with no exceptions permitted.
Strict Compliance or No Travel
Idris issued a stern warning to pilgrims: failure to comply with the polio vaccination requirement will result in being barred from traveling. He clarified that this mandate originates from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which has made it a cornerstone of its health and safety protocols for the annual pilgrimage. With the registration window for this year’s Hajj now officially closed by NAHCON, the Bauchi board is moving swiftly to finalize preparations for the journey.
Travel Preparations Underway
The Executive Secretary assured pilgrims that essential travel logistics are being handled efficiently. Within the next two weeks, the board will provide luggage, uniforms, bags, and other critical items necessary for the pilgrimage. However, Idris called on intending pilgrims to act promptly in submitting their forms, accompanied by passport photographs with a white background, to secure their visas from Saudi authorities. He stressed that delays could jeopardize their participation in the 2025 Hajj.
Payment Options for Incomplete Fares
For those who have not fully paid their Hajj fares, the board has offered flexibility. According to Idris, affected pilgrims can either request a refund of their deposits or opt to leave the funds in the board’s account for the 2026 Hajj. This announcement, first reported by PUNCH, reflects the board’s commitment to transparency and pilgrim support amid the logistical demands of the pilgrimage.
A Call for Cooperation
Idris concluded by urging all 2,200 registered pilgrims to cooperate fully with the board to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj exercise. With health measures like the polio vaccine and administrative deadlines in focus, the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is determined to uphold its responsibility to facilitate a safe and organized pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
