NAHCON flags off Hajj 2025 vaccination

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh, has vowed that the Hajj body is committed to safeguarding the health, safety general well-being of Nigerian pilgrims during this year’s pilgrimage.

The chairman made the commitment in his remarks at the flag-off ceremony for the vaccination of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) intending pilgrims to the 2025 Hajj at the FCT Pilgrims Hajj Camp, Airport Road, Abuja, as part of ongoing preparations for this year’s Hajj operations.

According to him, the event did not only mark a vital step towards a successful Hajj operation this year but also a proactive approach to pilgrimage planning.

While urging the intending pilgrims to fully cooperate and follow health guidelines, Saleh declared that ensuring Nigerian pilgrims’ good health is NAHCON’s responsibility.

“This event marks a vital step in our journey toward a successful 2025 Hajj. Ensuring the health of our pilgrims is not just a requirement; it is our responsibility.

“Today’s flag-off is a symbol of our readiness and proactive approach to Hajj planning.

“To our dear pilgrims, I urge you to cooperate fully, follow health guidelines, and remain prayerful as you prepare for this sacred journey,” the NAHCON CEO said.

He then advised the intending pilgrims to be patient throughout the Hajj process, adding that they should attend all enlightenment programmes scheduled for them.

According to the chairman, “I also encourage you to be law-abiding and patient throughout the Hajj process. It is equally important that you attend all scheduled pilgrims’ enlightenment lectures, as they offer essential knowledge and guidance about the rites of Hajj and the journey ahead.

“These lectures are designed to equip you spiritually, mentally and practically to perform your pilgrimage in the best possible manner.”

The Chairman personally administered the first dose of the vaccination to one of the intending pilgrims in a symbolic gesture that highlighted NAHCON’s hands-on approach and dedication to excellence and subsequently monitored the vaccination exercise.

While addressing the intending pilgrims before the flag off of the vaccination, FCT Director of Public Health, Dr Dan Gazama, Director of Public Health, enlightened them on the vaccines being administered.

He emphasised that receiving these vaccinations is a mandatory condition for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and forms a critical part of the international health regulations that govern Hajj participation.

“The vaccines being given today include the meningitis vaccine, the oral polio vaccine and the yellow fever vaccine, all of which are mandatory, according to the health regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The yellow fever vaccine is valid for ten years, while the meningitis vaccine is valid for three years. These vaccinations are a prerequisite for Hajj and are essential to protecting both individual and public health,” he informed.

He added that some mild side effects, including pain at the injection site, low-grade fever or body aches, may occur.

These, according to him, were normal and typically resolve within a day or two and strongly advised that if any of the intending pilgrims experiences persistent or severe symptoms, they should visit the nearest hospital or health facility immediately for proper medical attention.

The vaccination exercise commenced immediately after the opening addresses, with medical personnel administering the vaccines in a well-coordinated and professional manner.

The process was smooth, efficient, and well-received by the pilgrims, boosting their confidence and reinforcing public trust in NAHCON’s preparedness.

Also present at the event were the NAHCON Commissioner (PRSILS), Prof Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal; the board member representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Saidu Dunbulwa; Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha and some heads of divisions.

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