CSO to state boards: Inform pilgrims of feeding menu ahead of 2025 hajj

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on state pilgrims welfare boards and agencies to include the proposed feeding menu in their ongoing enlightenment campaigns for intending pilgrims to the 2025 hajj.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Ibrahim Mohammed, its national coordinator, IHR said the move has become necessary following complaints in previous years about the quality and quantity of meals served during the pilgrimage.

“We recall an unfortunate incident during last year’s Hajj when some pilgrims shared pictures of meals served to them, alleging that they were either inadequate or distasteful,” the statement reads.

“Now that all service provision contracts have been signed, officials already know the type of food that their pilgrims will receive; as such, they should be informed about the nature of the meals and how many times a day.

“This, we believe, will prepare the minds of the pilgrims and reduce to the barest minimum any misgivings over the feeding menu at the holy land.”

The organisation added that officials should consider pilgrims with special dietary needs such as diabetes, celiac disease, food allergies, and swallowing disorders.

“Rice is the staple food item in Saudi Arabia, which is hardly eaten by diabetics,” IHR said.

“We therefore urge officials to take cognisance of this and work with diabetic pilgrims in their entourage to find a common ground.

“Adequate enlightenment is needed to dissuade our pilgrims from queuing for sabil, especially when they are being supplied a meal in their accommodations.”

IHR said providing detailed information about the menu ahead of time would promote transparency and reduce tension during the hajj operations.

In June 2024, Umaru Bago, governor of Niger state, tackled the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged poor treatment of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Bago alleged that the commission was not providing enough food for pilgrims in the Arabian country.

The governor asked NAHCON not to force Arabian food on Nigerians, adding that some people were “falling sick”.

This is an AI-assisted report