The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has taken a significant step in health compliance ahead of the 2025 Hajj by receiving his vaccination at the Hajj House, Abuja. The move is part of preparations to ensure that all Nigerian pilgrims meet Saudi Arabia’s strict health regulations for the pilgrimage.
The vaccination, which took place in his office, is in line with Saudi Arabia’s requirement that all intending pilgrims must be immunised against contagious diseases such as meningitis, yellow fever, and poliomyelitis. The Saudi authorities have maintained a zero-tolerance stance on health-related infractions as part of efforts to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims expected during the Hajj season.
Professor Usman’s action comes amid increasing mobilisation of Nigerian pilgrims and health personnel ahead of the 2025 Hajj. In a recent statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to complying with all Saudi health requirements. He stressed the importance of proper documentation, especially the possession of valid yellow cards, without which pilgrims may be denied entry into the Kingdom.
NAHCON, under Professor Usman’s leadership, has intensified its efforts to ensure the success of this year’s pilgrimage. As part of its coordination strategy, the Commission has secured over 52,000 slots for Nigerian pilgrims and has finalised arrangements with four approved airlines—Air Peace, Max Air, Fly-Nas, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited—to handle the transportation of pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.
In addition to transportation logistics, NAHCON has worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Health to inspect and assess medical facilities in Saudi Arabia. During a joint visit led by Professor Pate and Professor Usman to Makkah, Nigerian officials reviewed the readiness of Nigerian medical clinics and ambulance services provided for pilgrims, ensuring they meet international standards.
The Commission has also been applauded for negotiating a reduction in the cost of Hajj fare. Despite the economic challenges and foreign exchange fluctuations, the fare was brought down from over ₦10 million to ₦8 million through high-level discussions with Saudi service providers. This negotiation resulted in an estimated ₦50 billion in savings for Nigerian pilgrims.
While receiving his vaccine, Professor Usman called on all prospective pilgrims to urgently complete their vaccinations and make full payments for their Hajj fare. He reiterated that only those who meet all health and financial requirements will be eligible to travel.
With the commencement of Hajj activities drawing near, NAHCON is pushing for full readiness and urging stakeholders, especially state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, to expedite preparations.
The 2025 Hajj is expected to host over 2 million pilgrims globally, with Nigeria contributing one of the largest contingents. Health compliance remains a central focus, and authorities continue to stress that only medically fit and fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to embark on the spiritual journey.
