The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strong advisory to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, urging them to remain in their tents between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily due to dangerously high daytime temperatures.
Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave the directive on Sunday while addressing journalists in Makkah.
This follows an official heatwave alert issued by Saudi Arabia’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), warning of extreme temperatures ranging between 40°C and 47°C during the 2025 Hajj season. The NCM also forecasted possible thunderstorms and reduced visibility, prompting urgent safety measures for pilgrims.
Prof. Saleh said NAHCON convened a stakeholders’ meeting where all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards were instructed to enforce the directive for pilgrims to remain indoors during peak heat hours, particularly in Mina and Arafat.
“Yesterday we called all the stakeholders. We met with them and mandated them to announce and tell their people that nobody is allowed to be out of the tent from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.,” he stated.
“It is not advised to go out because the temperature is not normal this year. We also advised them to continue drinking water.
“If it is necessary to be outside, let them go with water in hand. Let them take their umbrellas and use them, just because the temperature is not normal.”
Prof. Saleh appealed to the media to support NAHCON in spreading the message for the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
“So, media, please you are our eyes, you are our voice to the public. Help us tell our people to regard this instruction,” he urged.
Approximately 63,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected to participate in the 2025 Hajj.
