By Olugbenga Salami
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has issued a 59-point checklist to help intending pilgrims prepare for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The guide, released on the Commission’s Hajj Companion platform, outlines practical steps on travel documentation, health, safety, packing and spiritual readiness from departure in Nigeria to return after the pilgrimage.
On documentation, NAHCON advised pilgrims to have a valid international passport with at least six months’ validity, Hajj visa, flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation, vaccination certificates, travel insurance, photocopies of key documents, and emergency contact details.
For health and safety, the Commission placed strong emphasis on preparedness. Pilgrims were urged to travel with prescribed medications, pain relievers, sunscreen, first aid kits, oral rehydration salts, hand sanitisers, face masks and blister plasters to manage the physical demands of Hajj.
The Commission also recommended packing two sets of ihram garments, comfortable walking sandals, lightweight modest clothing, umbrellas, waist pouches, prayer mats, sunglasses and small backpacks.
Beyond logistics, NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to make spiritual and personal arrangements before travel.
These include settling debts, seeking forgiveness from relatives and friends, updating wills, studying Hajj rites, memorising essential supplications, completing vaccinations, and notifying banks of travel plans.
During the pilgrimage, pilgrims were advised to drink enough water, avoid prolonged exposure to heat, maintain hygiene, eat balanced meals, wear supportive footwear, take regular rest, and avoid unnecessary exertion during rituals.
For the return journey, NAHCON recommended packing luggage a day before departure, inspecting hotel rooms before checkout, avoiding Zamzam water and power banks in checked luggage, properly labeling Zamzam containers, following group travel arrangements, and arriving at the airport at least four hours before flights.
The Commission said the checklist is intended to help Nigerian pilgrims avoidable travel challenges, improve overall preparedness, and enable them to focus on the religious obligations of Hajj with peace of mind.
