June 3, 2025 | Makkah, Saudi Arabia — The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strict advisory instructing Nigerian pilgrims to stay indoors between 10am and 4pm as Saudi Arabia experiences dangerously high temperatures, reaching up to 47°C.
The directive was made public by NAHCON chairman, Abdullahi Usman, who cited the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology’s (NCM) forecast predicting an intense heatwave accompanied by poor visibility and possible thunderstorms.
“Yesterday, we called all stakeholders, met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10am till 4pm,” Usman stated during a media briefing on Monday.
He stressed the abnormality of this year’s heat levels, urging pilgrims to remain hydrated and, if absolutely necessary to go outside, to carry water bottles and use umbrellas.
“It is not advisable to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water,” Usman emphasized.
He called on media outlets to assist in relaying the information, highlighting their crucial role in public awareness during the pilgrimage.
“So, media, please, you are our eyes; you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to regard this instruction,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Hajj has already seen casualties. SaharaReporters earlier reported the death of a pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Jamila Muhammad, who passed away in Makkah due to diabetic complications. Her death occurred at King Abdul’aziz Hospital.
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Daiyabu Dauda, confirmed the incident, noting that medical help was sought immediately after symptoms began.
Last week, a 75-year-old pilgrim from Edo State, Adizatu Dazumi, also passed away during the 2025 pilgrimage.
The latest warnings from NAHCON come amid a series of efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of over 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj.
Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to comply with the directives as Saudi Arabia continues to battle one of its hottest Hajj seasons in recent years.
