Pilgrims attending the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have expressed dissatisfaction with the poor quality and limited quantity of food being served, despite having paid more than ₦8 million for the pilgrimage.
The issue was brought to light by Babagana Digima, a pilgrim, who took to Facebook to share a photo depicting a modest breakfast portion consisting of a small serving of pap and three bean cakes.
“After paying N8 million for Hajj, see the breakfast that our pilgrims are being given! Nahcon Nigeria Fatima Mustapha. This 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 growing concerns, Muhammad Ahmad, a staff member of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stated that Nigerian authorities had initiated an investigation into the matter.
Ahmad wrote, “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 official will leave no stone unturned in revealing the truth of the matter and taking necessary action.”
The complaints come despite the Nigerian government’s substantial efforts to subsidize the pilgrimage. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved ₦90 billion to subsidize the cost of the 2024 Hajj.
Shettima made this known during the 2024 inaugural Hajj airlift at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State.
