The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has raised concern over the increasing number of stress-related health complications among Nigerian pilgrims who participated in this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Addressing pilgrims at a post-Arafat meeting last night, NAHCON announced that a significant percentage of deaths recorded among Nigerian pilgrims were linked to heart-related illnesses triggered by stress.

The commission stated that between 70 and 80 per cent of deaths recorded during the exercise were related to heart diseases and stress-induced complications.

According to NAHCON’s figures, 8,303 pilgrims received medical attention during the Mashair period, while 12,630 pilgrims were attended to in Makkah and Mashair combined.

NAHCON also said 15,083 Nigerian pilgrims accessed medical services since the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations, representing nearly one-third of the total Nigerian pilgrims participating in the exercise.

Health officials attached to the Hajj operation explained that the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage, combined with extreme weather conditions and movements across holy sites, contributed significantly to the health challenges many pilgrims experienced.

The commission also expressed concern over the growing number of pilgrims who suffered mental health challenges during the exercise. According to NAHCON’s officials, about 50 pilgrims reportedly developed mental disorders linked to stress.

Medical experts involved in the operation advised pilgrims to avoid unnecessary exposure to the harsh Saudi Arabian weather, maintain adequate hydration and adhere strictly to medical instructions throughout the period of the pilgrimage.

NAHCON decried the inadequate emergency response facilities available to some state pilgrims’ boards, stating that only Lagos and Kogi states currently operate ambulances dedicated to their pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.

The commission stressed the need for other states to invest in emergency medical support infrastructure, particularly ambulances and rapid response systems, to improve healthcare delivery and reduce avoidable deaths during future Hajj operations.

The NAHCON medical team also appealed to Islamic scholars and Ulama accompanying pilgrims to intensify sermons and sensitisation programmes on the dangers of over-stressing during Hajj rites.

The team emphasised the need for continuous education on adequate rest, hydration and compliance with medical advice.

In his earlier remarks, the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, praised the officials, medical teams and stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the Hajj operations.

He expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment and sacrifices throughout the period of the pilgrimage.

Yusuf stated that one of the greatest lessons Muslims should learn from the spiritual journey is patience. According to him, pilgrims must cultivate patience whenever they travel for religious obligations and should avoid placing excessive expectations on Hajj officials and operators.

The chairman noted that the need for patience does not excuse officials who sometimes fail to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The NAHCON chairman stressed that those entrusted with responsibilities during Hajj operations must remain accountable and committed to diligently serving the guests of Allah.

He admitted that despite the improvements recorded, Nigeria was still far from the desired standard in Hajj management and welfare services.

Yusuf stressed that much more work remained to be done to improve future exercises.

The NAHCON chairman further urged stakeholders to set aside personal interests and focus on serving pilgrims with sincerity and dedication.

He warned that shirking responsibilities and neglecting pilgrims’ welfare could attract divine punishment from Allah.

Also, Senator Ali Ndume hailed NAHCON for the improvements the commission recorded during this year’s pilgrimage.

The Borno South lawmaker noted that although he was not usually quick to praise organisers while operations were ongoing, this year’s Hajj had been largely successful and better coordinated.He listed some lapses that required urgent improvement, particularly healthcare services for pilgrims.

Ndume also called for stronger collaboration between NAHCON and state governments towards securing larger and more comfortable accommodation spaces for Nigerian pilgrims in Mina.

The senator stressed the need to improve feeding arrangements, pilgrims’ guidance and toilet facilities at the holy sites.

According to him, sanitation challenges and inadequate conveniences remained major concerns that should be addressed before future Hajj exercises.

He maintained that despite the progress achieved this year, stakeholders must continue working together to improve Hajj operations.

Ndume cautioned against engaging in blame games over shortcomings, stressing that all stakeholders share collective responsibility for the success of the exercise.

He also wished Nigerian pilgrims safe return journeys back home. (The Nation)