Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has assured that Nigerian pilgrims will fully comply with Saudi Arabia’s health requirements for the 2025 Hajj.
While stressing the commitment of the Federal Government to safeguarding the health of all pilgrims, Pate said it is important for the country to adhere to the Kingdom’s health protocols, particularly in light of global health concerns such as meningitis outbreaks and polio.
The minister gave the assurance while inspecting the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) medical facilities in Makkah.
Head of Public Affairs, NAHCON, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, in a statement yesterday, quoted the minister as stating that “credible vaccination documentation, including yellow cards for all Nigerian pilgrims, is non-negotiable.”
Pate, who also visited NAHCON’s Ummul-Jud office, further assured comprehensive governmental support aimed at confronting critical healthcare challenges that Nigerian pilgrims often face.
The inspections were conducted by the minister, accompanied by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Commissioner Operations, PRSILS and PPMF, Prince Anofi’u Olanrewaju Elegusi, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Prince Abdul-Razaq Aliyu, and the Board Member representing the Federal Health Ministry, Dr. Sa’edu Ahmad Dumbulwa.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Ali, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Saudi liaison officer Abubakar Lamin, and other Commission staff.
“Our commitment is clear. Given the global health landscape ranging from meningitis outbreaks to polio concerns, it is imperative we meet and exceed Saudi Arabia’s health requirements. Ensuring credible vaccination documentation, including yellow cards for all Nigerian pilgrims, is non-negotiable,” the minister said.
Accompanied by senior health ministry delegates, the minister conducted thorough inspections of NAHCON’s ambulance fleet, reviewed medical supplies inventories, and assessed equipment readiness at Nigerian health clinics in Saudi Arabia.
Pate pointed out key areas for improvement, including increasing the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, medical apparatus, and operational ambulances.
Given the participation of approximately 70,000 Nigerians annually in the sacred pilgrimage, the minister further addressed emerging concerns, notably climate-induced extreme hot weather during the 2025 upcoming Hajj, saying that the government is committed to proactive measures to safeguard pilgrims’ health and well-being.
On his part, NAHCON boss lauded the minister’s initiative, saying his presence and involvement signify extraordinary commitment that bolsters confidence in the nation’s healthcare delivery.
Usman noted that the unprecedented engagement will undeniably facilitate a smoother and safer 2025 Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
