By ABDUL-BASIT ABBA

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, officially flagged off the vaccination exercise for intending pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2025 Hajj. The event was held at the FCT Pilgrims Hajj Camp, along Airport Road, Abuja.

Leading the ceremony was the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Sale, who reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and spiritual readiness of all Nigerian pilgrims.

“This event marks a vital step in our preparations for a successful 2025 Hajj. Ensuring the health of our pilgrims is not merely a requirement—it is a solemn responsibility. Today’s flag-off is a symbol of our preparedness and proactive approach to Hajj planning. I urge all pilgrims to cooperate fully, adhere to health guidelines, and stay prayerful as they prepare for this sacred journey,” Professor Sale said in his opening remarks.

He further advised the pilgrims to remain law-abiding, patient, and to attend all enlightenment lectures organized by the Commission, stressing that these sessions are crucial for proper understanding of the rites and responsibilities of Hajj.

Demonstrating the Commission’s hands-on leadership, the NAHCON Chairman personally monitored the exercise and symbolically administered the first dose of the vaccine to one of the intending pilgrims.

Before the vaccinations commenced, Dr. Dan Gazama, Director of Public Health, addressed the pilgrims and provided critical information about the vaccines. He noted that the vaccines being administered—including the meningitis vaccine, oral polio vaccine, and yellow fever vaccine—are mandatory under the health regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The yellow fever vaccine remains valid for ten years, while the meningitis vaccine lasts for three years. These vaccines are essential, not only as a requirement for Hajj entry, but as a key measure to protect both individual and public health,” Dr. Gazama stated.

He also briefed the pilgrims on possible mild side effects such as slight fever, body aches, or pain at the injection site, assuring them that these symptoms usually resolve within a day or two. He, however, urged anyone experiencing persistent symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.

Dr. Gazama emphasized that receiving these vaccinations is a mandatory precondition for entry into Saudi Arabia and a core aspect of international health regulations governing Hajj participation.

Also in attendance at the flag-off were NAHCON Commissioner for PRSILS, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal; Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Dunbulwa; Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha; as well as other departmental heads—all of whom underscored the significance of the campaign and the Commission’s unified resolve to prioritize the wellbeing of pilgrims.

Following the opening remarks, the vaccination exercise commenced smoothly, with trained medical personnel administering the vaccines in a well-organized and professional manner. The process was efficient and well-received by the pilgrims, reflecting NAHCON’s preparedness and boosting public confidence.

The Abuja flag-off marks the beginning of a nationwide vaccination rollout for the 2025 Hajj, further reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and spiritual fulfillment of every Nigerian pilgrim.

•Abdul-Basit Abba writes from the Information and Publications Division, NAHCON.