Despite paying N8m for Hajj, Nigerian pilgrims ridiculous food in Saudi Arabia

A group of Nigerian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj have expressed their dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of food being served to them, despite paying over N8 million for the exercise.

In a Facebook post, Babagana Digima shared a picture of the meager breakfast served to the pilgrims on Tuesday morning, which consisted of a small portion of pap and three “Akara” (beans cakes).

Digima lamented that the pilgrims have been forced to beg for money to buy food due to the poor quality of the meals provided.

“After paying N8million for Hajj, see the breakfast that our pilgrims are being given! NAHCON Nigeria Fatima Mustapha.

This is what was given today, 28th May 2024. In fact, some pilgrims have already started begging to get money to buy food because even their remaining $300 that was promised to be paid to them in Saudi (out of $500) is not forthcoming from the authorities!” Digima wrote.

In response to the post, a staff member of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Muhammad Ahmad, stated that the Nigerian authorities have begun investigating the issue.

“NAHCON is right now there at the scene gathering information for proper investigation because NAHCON is fully and totally provides feeding and accommodation in Madinah, but in Makkah, NAHCON only supervises. Yet, the Commission’s officials will leave no stone unturned in revealing the truth of the matter and taking necessary action,” Ahmad wrote.

This development comes after the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board announced that over 100 intending pilgrims from the state would miss this year’s Hajj exercise due to the high fees. The Nigerian government had also spent N90 billion to subsidize the cost of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage for citizens.

Vice President Kashim Shettima had stated that the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of NAHCON in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

The government had also monitored all arrangements meant for the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey. However, it appears that the quality of food being served to the pilgrims has fallen short of expectations.

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