The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refuted allegations that Nigerian pilgrims were served substandard meals in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The allegations surfaced on social media, with a Facebook user, Babagana Digima, posting a picture of a meager breakfast portion containing akra and faf, claiming it was served to pilgrims on Tuesday morning.
However, NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Fatima Mustapha, countered the claim by posting a picture of a more substantial breakfast, including bread, water, and tea, stating that the original picture was an “edited version”.
The pilgrims had also complained of a shortage of cash to buy food and inability to access their remaining $300 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). NAHCON is investigating the matter, and no official statement has been released yet.
This development comes after Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Tinubu approved ₦90 billion to subsidize the cost of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. M
