Caterers fleece Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi, NAHCON boss angry
Muslim pilgrims perform the final walk (Tawaf al-Wadaa) around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on November 30, 2009. The annual Muslim hajj pilgrimage to Mecca wound up without the feared mass outbreak of swine flu, Saudi authorities said, reporting a total of five deaths and 73 proven cases. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has threatened to penalise any of the caterers, who violates its pilgrims’ feeding arrangements, during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Some caterers were reported to have resorted to under-feeding Nigerian pilgrims to make more money.
This development, among others, has compromised the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Muhktar, gave the threat while inspecting catering and accommodation services for pilgrims on Wednesday in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Mukhtar had, while inspecting the catering service in Kwara camp, discovered that the company handling it failed to adhere to NAHCON’s menu for dinner.
The menu had provided for a meal of rice, stew, fruits and drinks but the contractors prepare three slices of bread and small quantities of beans.
The NAHCON boss immediately directed the caterers to provide the stipulated dish and serve the beans to pilgrims, who wanted it at no cost to the commission.
He said NAHCON would penalise such companies because pilgrims deserved the best service for their money.
“These meals are not free, the pilgrims paid for them and I see no reason to compromise their welfare,’’ Mukhtar said.
Addressing the pilgrims and their officials later, the NAHCON boss assured them of the commission’s dedication to their welfare.
He urged all pilgrims to intensify prayers for Nigeria, President Buhari, their governors and relations for Nigeria to prosper.
He also inspected similar facilities in the Kogi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kano and Sokoto state camps where he delegated some staff of the commission to ensure the caterers complied with the feeding regulations.
Mukhtar later told newsmen that the commission was ready to improve on the shortcomings observed during the visits.
Pilgrims from Delta and Katsina states also complained of abuse or lack of facilities. Katsina pilgrims said they were not allocated space in Muna hence had to squat with others.
He commended all the officials and staff of each state he visited, adding that NAHCON was proud of their efforts in realising hitch-free Hajj.