By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, Media Monitoring Team has reported significant gaps between pilgrims’ expectations and services provided during the 2026 Hajj operations in Mina and Arafat.

The team made the observation in its assessment report covering feeding, pilgrims’ welfare, official presence, orientation, and Hadaya services in the two holy sites. The report was signed by the team’s chairman, Nasiru Lawal.

On feeding services in Mina, the monitoring team observed that meal distribution was not adequately coordinated, pointing out that while some camps received meals early, others experienced considerable delays.

“Although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards,” it stated.

Consequently, IHR called for refunds to be made to states where meal supplies were missed entirely or where food quality did not meet approved standards for pilgrims.

For pilgrims’ welfare and official presence, the team observed a shortage of officials in some state pilgrims’ tents. Many officials were also virtually unreachable during visits by the monitoring team.

“While some state officials wore their uniforms, others were dressed in ihram, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.”

“However, on a positive note, staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, demonstrated commendable commitment throughout Mina. IHR members observed NAHCON personnel across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camps, either attending to pilgrims or assisting in meal distribution in their official uniforms,” it stated.

On the conduct of pilgrims and religious orientation, the IHR team based its observations on random tents in Mina.

It recommended that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values, and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.

Such orientation, it said, would help strengthen adherence to the spiritual objectives of Hajj and promote better behaviour among pilgrims.

The IHR team also observed with concern the lack of transparency surrounding Hadaya, animal sacrifice, for Nigerian pilgrims.

“There appears to be no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and implementation of the exercise, leaving many pilgrims vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous officials.

“While some states successfully conducted the Hadaya exercise and established committees to supervise it, others merely collected payments from pilgrims without providing verifiable evidence that the sacrifice was carried out,“ it stressed.

IHR, therefore, urged NAHCON, in its oversight capacity, to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya in future Hajj operations.

This, it said, would enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the process.

By Olugbenga Salami

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has restated its commitment to food safety during the 2026 Hajj, saying the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remains its top priority.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Commission said Saudi health authorities are enforcing, strict food safety standards due to the prevailing weather conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to NAHCON, some dinner meals served on the night of 27th May, 2026 failed to meet required handling and packaging standards.

The Commission said the meals were immediately rejected in collaboration with Saudi health officials.

To address the incident, the service support company provided alternative light refreshments to the affected pilgrims.

Members of the NAHCON Board also visited the affected pilgrims and briefed state officials on the development.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers involved.

He also ordered a probe into individuals linked to the award of the affected contracts.

In a related development, Ambassador Yusuf instructed the Central Security Committee to investigate tour operators alleged to have brought in more pilgrims than officially registered.

The Commission said some operators were exploiting innocent pilgrims by exceeding approved quotas.

NAHCON warned that any operator found guilty after investigations would face sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licences.

The Commission further disclosed that arrangements are underway for immediate refunds to pilgrims affected by the meal incident.

NAHCON appreciated the understanding and patience shown by the affected pilgrims.

It reassured all Nigerian pilgrims of its continued commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the Hajj exercise.

The Commission said it would continue to work closely with Saudi authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards for all Nigerian pilgrims.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team of the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for completing the outbound airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims within the scheduled timeline.

In its Second Assessment Report released on Sunday in Makkah, the team described the feat as an operational milestone that largely aligned with projections.

The report, signed by the chairman of the committee, Malam Nasiru Lawal, noted that despite a few observations and logistical challenges, the exercise was largely successful.

IHR welcomed the establishment of additional embarkation points in Zamfara and Ogun States as a positive development for intending pilgrims, saying pilgrims from the two states no longer need to undertake stressful interstate journeys before departure to Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, the initiative has significantly reduced travel stress and improved safety for pilgrims, but however, noted that the new centres have placed additional logistical burdens on Hajj air carriers and overstretched NAHCON’s human resource capacity.

It said more zonal officials are now required at the various airports, while airlines need additional ground operational personnel, warning that the situation may increase operational costs in subsequent Hajj exercises if not properly managed.

Presenting its offshore assessment, IHR gave a relatively positive review of the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah where it particularly praised the standard of accommodation and the proximity of hotels to Masjid Al-Nabawi.

“We commend NAHCON for retaining the Markaziya locations for Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah, which continues to enhance pilgrims’ comfort and ease of access to the Prophet’s Mosque,” the report stated.

The team, however, advised NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to improve the turnaround time for allocating accommodation to arriving pilgrims in Madinah.

This, it said, will reduce waiting periods after arrival.

On feeding, IHR observed that arrangements have improved considerably compared to previous years, but called for greater variety and better menu selection.

The committee also described the launch of the interactive Hajj Companion App by NAHCON as a major step toward digitalising Hajj operations, noting that the app can improve pilgrims’ movement coordination and orientation services.

IHR added that the application has the potential to evolve into Nigeria’s own version of the Nusuk platform, covering all aspects of Hajj administration and pilgrims’ services.

To achieve that, the team recommended that NAHCON partner with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators in developing and integrating the app.

The collaboration, it said, would make the platform more comprehensive and inclusive of all stakeholders’ activities.

As the Masha’ir rites begin, IHR urged all operational stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj under comfortable and conducive conditions.

The committee also cautioned stakeholders against politicising Hajj services and urged focus on efficient service delivery to the guests of Allah.