The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has rejected what it described as “substandard foods” served the Nigerian pilgrims currently in Minah, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s pilgrimage.
The Commission has instituted a committee to investigate the caterers that supplied the rejected substandard foods.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the pilgrims staged a protest last night (May 27) over lack of food for their dinner without knowing the circumstances behind it.
It was gathered that in compliance with the food safety standards set by
the Saudi health authorities to ensure the wellbeing of all pilgrims during the Hajj period, NAHCON had to reject some dinner meals.
The standards, which the Saudi health authorities set and the dinner foods ran foul of, were set in view of the prevailing weather conditions in the Holy Land.
Source said that the foods prepared for dinner last night “did not meet the required handling and packaging standards and were therefore rejected immediately in collaboration with NAHCON.
“Alternative light refreshment was provided by the service support company to cushion the situation. “NAHCON Board members had since gone round to explain the situation to the affected State managers.”
NAHCON assured that arrangements have been initiated for soonest refunds to pilgrims affected by last night’s meal situation.
The NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has meanwhile, reported to have directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers and those who facilitated their contracts.
The Chairman also instructed the Central Security Committee to thoroughly investigate and identify the Tour Operators who brought in more pilgrims than they actually registered while at the same time are found to be exploiting innocent pilgrims.
Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf made it clear that after the investigations, anyone found guilty would be penalized and have his license withdrawn.
NAHCON expressed appreciation for the understanding of the pilgrims and reassured of its continued commitment to their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise.
