By Adamu David
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged intending pilgrims to brace for extreme heat during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
NAHCON chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stated this during an inspection of the commission’s facilities in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, led by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
Usman, in a statement, emphasised the significance of government oversight and proactive healthcare planning, given the participation of approximately 70,000 Nigerian pilgrims annually.
He acknowledged growing concerns about climate-induced extreme temperatures and reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to implementing preventive measures to safeguard pilgrims’ health and well-being.
Pate, in response, assured comprehensive government support to address critical healthcare challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims.
Our discussions with NAHCON officials reflect our clear commitment. Given global health concerns such as meningitis outbreaks and polio risks, we must meet and exceed Saudi Arabia’s health requirements.
“Ensuring all Nigerian pilgrims have proper vaccination documentation, including valid yellow cards, is non-negotiable,” Pate stated.
Accompanied by senior health ministry officials, the minister conducted thorough inspections of NAHCON’s ambulance fleet, medical supply inventories, and healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia.