The Lagos State Government has officially prohibited pregnant women from joining the 2025 Hajj, citing concerns about the health risks involved in the physically demanding pilgrimage.
The announcement was made in Badagry by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, who explained that the restriction follows a directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The federal agency had instructed state pilgrims’ boards across the country not to process applications from expectant mothers due to the strenuous nature of the Hajj rites.
Echoing this directive, NAHCON’s Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services, Professor Abubakar Yagawal, emphasized the importance of ensuring only fit pilgrims participate, noting that preparations are already underway, including the setup of clinics in the holy cities and the distribution of Yellow Cards.
Layode noted that Lagos State is implementing the measure in accordance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s position on safeguarding the well-being of prospective pilgrims. During the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration hosted at Lagos House, Marina, the governor advised all intending pilgrims to prioritize their health. “If you are unwell or expecting a child, please stay back and pray from Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that Hajj involves intense physical rituals such as moving between Makkah and Madinah, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, and walking between Safa and Marwah—all of which pose serious risks to pregnant women. “This is not about appearances or naming a child after a prophet just for being born in Saudi Arabia,” Layode remarked.
He also revealed that in previous years, some individuals had tried to deceive screening officials by concealing their pregnancies or using their spouses’ urine samples during medical checks.
To prevent such incidents going forward, Lagos has introduced improved screening procedures. Mobile diagnostic units will now be deployed to designated centres, equipped to detect pregnancy and screen for illnesses like tuberculosis, ensuring that only medically qualified individuals are cleared for the spiritual journey.
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