Brace for extreme heat: NAHCON warns Nigerians ahead of 2025 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised intending pilgrims to brace for extreme heat during the 2025 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

During an inspection of NAHCON’s facilities in Makkah, led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, NAHCON chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, underscored the importance of government oversight and proactive healthcare planning to protect the approximately 70,000 Nigerian pilgrims expected to participate.

Acknowledging growing concerns about climate-induced extreme temperatures, Usman reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to implementing preventive measures to ensure pilgrims’ safety and well-being.

In response, Prof. Pate assured full government support in tackling 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 inspected NAHCON’s ambulance fleet, medical supplies, and healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the government’s dedication to ensuring a safe and healthy Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.