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High price of cooking gas taking toll on us, several South-West residents lament

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2023

Cooking gas

High price of cooking gas taking toll on us, several South-West residents lament

SEVERAL residents of some states in the South-West zone of the country are lamenting the astronomical increase in the price of cooking gas, saying it is severely affecting them.

The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that unless government intervened urgently, the situation may force them to discard using gas to cook.

They said they may have no other choice than a return to using charcoal, firewood and sawdust, among other archaic means of cooking.

NAN reports that 12.5 kilogramme (kg) of gas now sells for between N10,000 and N10,625 as against the N8,700 it was being sold before in some parts of the zone.

A 6 kg equivalent goes for between N4,800 and N5,100 instead of N4,176.

The residents, who expressed shock with the cooking gas situation, said that they never prepared for such an astronomical increase.

They lamented that this has come particularly with the increase in the price of petrol, with its attendant negative effects.

The residents appealed to government to, as a matter of urgency, step up measures to address the situation in order to reduce the sufferings of Nigerians.

A housewife, Mrs Eunice Alabi, a resident of Ayegun-Fasade in Egbeda Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, said the situation is not economically wise for her.

“A low income-earner like me cannot afford to buy a kilogramme of cooking gas at a cost of N850. That is the situation we are in now,” she said.

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Alabi said she had already returned to the use of a sawdust stove at little or no cost to her, aside getting sawdust from a nearby sawmill.

Mr Michael Tubosun, a commercial motorcycle operator at Iwo-Road in Ibadan North-East LGA, contended that using gas to cook now had become the exclusive right of the rich.

He said he had bought a charcoal pot for his wife to cook.

Also speaking with NAN, a roadside beans and yam vendor at Oluwo junction in Egbeda LGA, Mrs Jelilat Yusuf, said she had embraced the use of firewood for cooking.

“I thought I was becoming modern by using gas, but now I can not afford gas again,” she said.

According to Yusuf, firewood is cheaper and makes her to make more profit than using gas.

Although she expressed concern about the smoke from firewood, which, she said might not be good for her health, Yusuf however said she had no choice.

“Since gas has gone out of my reach, I have no choice.”

She implored government to intensify efforts toward bringing down the price of cooking gas and foodstuffs.

An environmentalist, Mr Bola Ogunrinde, however, said using the alternatives to gas could be dangerous to health.

“Dioxin, one of the substances released when plastic is used and inhaled, can instantly cause coughing, shortness of breath and dizziness,” he stated.

A gas retailer, Mr Zacheaus Akinlabi, also said he had witnessed a marked reduction in the number of customers patronising him due to the sudden increase in gas price.

“Since the hike in price of gas, some of my customers have stopped patronising me, while the few that come around only buy the fewN kilogrames they can afford,” Akinlabi said.

A food vendor, Mrs Funmi Durodola, said that she had shifted from using gas to charcoal.

Although Durodola said that a bag of charcoal had also increased from N3,500 to between N4,700 and N5000, nevertheless she said it was still more economical than gas.

Mrs Tolu Adejo, a mother of three, said: “When gas was between

N700 and N750 per kg, my husband usually refilled for us, while we support our cooking with firewood, especially when we wanted to cook beans.

“To make matters worse, kerosene is also beyond our reach and so we now use firewood, alongside plastic and nylon to do our cooking, because we just have to survive,” Adejo said.

The situation is the same in Ilorin in Kwara, as most residents have resorted to use of charcoal and firewood due to the hike in the price of gas.

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Mrs Munirat Bello, a teacher at a private school in Ilorin, said she had embraced the use of charcoal to complement the little gas she could afford.

A housewife, who also plaits hair for a living, who simply identified herself as Mama Bashira, also said that the situation had gone bad for her.

She said she had to resort to the use of charcoal.

“A bag of charcoal sells for as low as N1,500 if a person can get it straight from the farm and if well-managed, it can last for a month or even more,” Mama Bashira said.

Similarly, Hajia Lateefah Yusuf, a business woman, expressed surprise with the sudden increase in gas price, in spite of what she called the rhetoric of abundance of gas in the country.

A civil servant with Kwara Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Abosede Buraimoh, described the situation as very worrisome and unbearable, calling for urgent intervention by government.

An artisan, Mrs Titilayo Oshagbemi, said she had stopped patronising gas stations due to the hike in the price of the product.

“I prefer to buy a bag of charcoal at the rate of between N3,000 to

N3,300, than to buy 5 kg gas at the rate of N4,750 or N5,400, while the charcoal will last longer than gas,” she said.

For Alhaja Tawal Aliyu, an artisan, the price of gas has become ‘scary’.

“How can I buy 1 kg of gas for N850 with the current economic hardship? No. I will rather get firewood to cook,” Aliyu lamented.

A resident of Ilorin, Mrs Afusat Jimoh, described the situation as frustrating, saying most people had dumped their gas cylinders and picked charcoal stoves.

“I’ve told my children to go and keep our cylinder somewhere in the

store. I am conveniently using my charcoal stove now. It saves me more money,” she said.

Mrs Toyin Aina, who said that many people had resorted to the use of kerosene stoves and charcoal stoves, called on the Federal Government to “act fast.

“This is because things are now very hard and tough in Nigeria.”

One of the attendants at a gas station, Mr Mubarak Bello, said patronage had dropped since the gas price had increased.

The Founder of Green Environment Movement, an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mr James Akinyemi, however said that using nylons and plastic to aid burning of charcoal could result in cancer.

According to him, burning plastics releases toxic chemicals into the air which, when inhaled, can cause cancer.

”Poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals commonly released into the air when burning plastics.

”Chronic exposure to these chemicals can interfere with hormone functions and cause cancer.

“So, it is better to avoid burning of plastics and nylons as much as possible,” he said.

Akinyemi noted that the economy was not friendly with the recent increase in price of gas.

He however cautioned people against using items that could have negative effect on their health.

NAN checks in Ogun also indicate that 12.5 kg of gas now sells for between N11,200 and N12,800 in some gas stations across the state.

NAN also reports that the situation has led to an increase in prices of foodstuffs as well as reduction in the quantity served for certain

prices at various restaurants and food joints.

Mrs Florence Akpan, a food vendor at Adeoyo area of Ijebu-Ode, said that sales had dropped significantly due to increase in gas price.

“Customers now complain about the reduction in the quantity of food being sold to them.

“I now cook small quantity of food because sales have really gone down and there is nothing I can do because I have to cover my cost and add small profit margin too.

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“Times are really hard for both buyers and sellers now. It is a serious matter,” she said.

Another food vendor at Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta, Mrs Dorcas Sobowale, told NAN that for her to continue in business, she had resorted to using charcoal.

“While a bag of charcoal costs N5,000, 12.5 kg of gas now sells for N12,800.

“Although cooking with gas is more convenient and faster, I have to make the necessary sacrifice and adjust to using charcoal and firewood to survive in business.”

A gas retailer, Kabiru Adegoke, said the price of cooking gas was not stable, “as it goes up and down in a matter of days.

“Patronage has really been affected due to the high cost of gas per kg, which is now N840 from the N700 we sold it two weeks before now.

“Hardly do we now see people filling up their 12.5 kg cylinder again.

Rather, they fill in small quantities like 2kg and 3kg,” Adegoke said.

Mrs Fauziyah Adebiyi, another resident of Abeokuta, lamented that life had been really difficult since the sudden increase in the price of gas.

She said what would have been the next and easy alternative was kerosene stove, “but sadly enough, kerosene itself is a no-go area now.

“The last time I needed half a bottle just to mix an insecticide, I

was told it was N400, meaning that a bottle is N800. How does one buy that easily with the hardship in the land?” Adebiyi queried.

For Mr John Akpan, a landlord in Mowe area of Obafemi-Owode LGA of Ogun, he has had to unfortunately ban the use of charcoal in his house.

Akpan said his tenants had resorted to the use of charcoal in

the wake of gas price increase.

He said the kitchen and other areas within his two-storey building had become messy, with the walls stained with coal.

“I know times are hard, but if the situation continues unchecked, I

will have to spend money on painting the house from time to time,” Akpan said.

In her reaction, another gas user, Mrs Taiwo Akande, said she had been switching between electric stove and gas cooker for her cooking.

“We are still using the old metering system in my compound. So, I use electric burner for most of my cooking whenever there is power.

“I may have to resort to charcoal when our prepaid meter is installed and the situation persists,” she said.

Mr Johnson Adigun, an urban and regional planner, listed alternative means of cooking to include: kerosene, charcoal, saw dust and firewood, all of which he, however, said had “far-reaching” consequences.

According to him, firewood often pollutes the environment and worsens the climate change crisis, aside the health implications like lung cancer which can lead to premature death.

To Mr Kayode Ahmed, an environmentalist, one of the possible consequences of using firewood and charcoal for cooking is deforestation.

Ahmed said such situation could arise when trees were not planted to replace those being cut for firewood.

Another environmentalist, Mr Ola Oresanya, maintained that the use of bio-gas and solar stove as alternative sources of cooking might not be detrimental to the environment.

“Bio-gas is the most environmental-friendly, and also a renewable source of energy.

“Using solar to cook is also reasonable and not having any adverse effect on the environment,” he said.

High price of cooking gas taking toll on us, several South-West residents lament

(NAN)

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NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Trends Admin

NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

IBADAN, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a solidarity protest in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, as the victims mark 14 days in captivity without rescue. NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the association had begun mobilising its members and allied groups across the country for what he described as a major advocacy movement against insecurity and the continued captivity of the victims. The protest is expected to hold on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Akinteye said the action became necessary after the victims spent two weeks in captivity without rescue efforts yielding results. He described the situation as painful and unacceptable, insisting that Nigerian students would no longer remain silent while pupils and teachers remained in the hands of kidnappers. According to him, the rally will involve visits to schools affected by the attack, including Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. The NANS leadership also plans to visit the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services during the protest. After the visits, students and activists are expected to embark on a peaceful walk within Ibadan to demand stronger security measures and immediate rescue operations.

“I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State. This solidarity movement is premised on the continuous hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area. It has been two weeks since this cruel act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith,” Akinteye stated.

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The abduction occurred after heavily armed gunmen invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. During the attack, seven teachers and 39 students were reportedly kidnapped by the assailants. A teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was said to have been killed during the invasion, while a two-year-old child, Christianah Akanbi, was also abducted alongside the victims. Further reports indicate that an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan (also identified as Adesiyan Adegboye) , and a commercial motorcyclist were also killed during the attacks. Governor Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. The Oyo State Government subsequently ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified rescue operations.

Following the attack, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 16, 2026. During the visit, the IGP expressed deep concern over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He met with the Commissioner of Police of the Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, alongside other security stakeholders, where he received detailed operational briefings on ongoing rescue efforts and security deployments across the affected communities. The IGP assured residents, parents, and guardians that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified a well-coordinated search-and-rescue operation, intelligence gathering, and tactical deployments aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims. He further directed the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to reinforce ongoing operations within the area and adjoining forests. Accompanying the IGP were the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Ojo Adekimi, due to the strategic proximity of the Oriire axis to border communities in Kwara State, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle.

Governor Seyi Makinde, while addressing journalists at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan on May 18, 2026, confirmed the government’s readiness to listen to the demands of the abductors to secure the safe release of the victims. He, however, maintained that while the government would not capitulate to criminal elements, it remained open to dialogue to save the victims. “To the group, all I can say is that as a government, we will not give in to terror. We will do everything to ensure that our children and their teachers are returned safely. Whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen to them and address the ones that we can address as a state government. But the children and their teachers must be released,” Makinde stated. The governor disclosed that the government had established an operational centre at the state Police Headquarters to coordinate information relating to the rescue mission. He described the security situation as “fluid and difficult” and appealed to journalists and the public to avoid sensationalising the incident, noting that lives were at stake. In a later message marking the dual celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and National Children’s Day on May 27, 2026, Makinde expressed solidarity with the affected families. “As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe. We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” the governor wrote on his official X handle.

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Reports indicate that the suspected terrorists who abducted the schoolchildren and teachers have opened communication channels with the state government. However, it remains unclear whether any engagement is being conducted directly by the governor or through intermediaries acting on behalf of the administration. Authorities have not officially confirmed the structure or status of any negotiations.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers are yet to be released, dismissing reports circulating on social media claiming that the victims have been rescued. In a statement issued on May 22, 2026, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described such reports as false and misleading. “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued,” the statement read. The police urged members of the public to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it, warning that the spread of fake news and misinformation creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources critically needed for ongoing operations.

In a tragic development, it was confirmed that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded while in captivity. The family of the late teacher described his death as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, lamenting that he died childless after more than 10 years of marriage. The attack also claimed the lives of assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist.

In a separate development, the leadership of NANS, South-West Zone D, on Friday called on Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to use her state visit to Ekiti to influence the immediate release of the kidnapped teachers and students. In a statement issued by the Coordinator of NANS South-West Zone D, Kayode Adeyemo, in Ibadan, the association lamented that the incident had left families of abductees devastated, communities traumatized, and many Nigerians anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims. The statement read in part: “NANS South-West remains deeply concerned about the continued captivity of abducted students and teachers following the tragic attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has left families devastated, communities traumatised, and many Nigerians anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims. We acknowledge the efforts already being undertaken by security agencies and relevant authorities. Nevertheless, the gravity of the situation demands sustained attention and intensified action until every victim is safely reunited with their families.” NANS urged the Federal Government to continue prioritising the security of students nationwide, insisting that the safety of Nigerian students must remain a national priority. The student body also called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. NANS appealed to civil society organisations, student leaders, and concerned Nigerians to join the demonstration and put pressure on authorities to tackle the worsening insecurity affecting schools and communities.

NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

News

Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years

The Nigerian community in South Africa has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country, revealing that no fewer than 105 Nigerians have been killed in the last seven years amid recurring xenophobic violence and attacks on migrants . Leaders of the community said the deaths were linked to mob attacks, shootings, alleged police brutality, vigilante violence, and other unresolved incidents involving foreign nationals .

The concerns were contained in a statement jointly signed by Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) . The group was reacting to reports credited to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) , which reportedly suggested that migrants were not being deliberately targeted or killed in the country . However, the Nigerian community strongly rejected the claim, insisting that several incidents involving Nigerians had either been ignored or downplayed over the years .

“Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion,” the statement said . The community noted that Nigerians have allegedly been victims of fatal mob attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful shootings, violent raids, and deaths in police custody . It stated that community records and reports gathered from civil society groups, media publications, and migrant associations showed disturbing patterns of violence against Nigerians between 2019 and 2026 .

The statement recalled that in 2019, several Nigerian-owned businesses, vehicles, and shops were destroyed during widespread xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg and other areas, with at least 12 Nigerians losing their lives during the attacks through mob violence and brutal assaults . It added that in 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly died in separate incidents involving criminal attacks, alleged security brutality, and vigilante-style killings . The Nigerian community further claimed that more than 40 Nigerians lost their lives in 2023 alone under what it described as “troubling and unresolved circumstances,” ranging from mob violence to alleged police misconduct and violent confrontations that were never fully investigated .

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The group also disclosed that eight Nigerians reportedly died in 2024, while another eight deaths were recorded in 2025 through shootings, violent clashes, and incidents in police custody . Most alarmingly, from January 2026 to date, the community claimed that over 20 Nigerians had allegedly died during encounters involving security operatives, criminal gangs, and suspected extrajudicial actions . While acknowledging that some investigations were ongoing, the Nigerian community expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the absence of accountability and justice in many of the cases, stating that the failure to secure prosecutions or transparent outcomes had increased fear and anxiety among Nigerians and other migrants living in South Africa .

“It is important to emphasise that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies, or judicial system,” the statement added . The community also acknowledged that many South Africans continued to support peaceful coexistence and reject xenophobia . Despite this, the group urged the South African government to take stronger steps to protect the lives and rights of all residents, regardless of nationality or immigration status, and called for transparent and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extrajudicial killings .

The latest concerns come just weeks after the Nigerian government demanded investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, who were allegedly assaulted by security personnel in South Africa . In response to the escalating crisis, the Federal Government summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, for urgent talks following renewed unrest . The Nigerian government also began making arrangements for the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, with 130 citizens already registered for repatriation as of early May 2026, a number expected to rise .

The National Assembly has also condemned the xenophobic attacks, with the Senate resolving to send a high-level delegation led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to South Africa to find lasting solutions to the crisis . The House of Representatives called for a review of bilateral relations, including the possible suspension of business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria and temporary restrictions on trade and aviation agreements . Lawmakers further demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establish a round-the-clock emergency help desk and a legal support fund for Nigerians affected by the attacks .

Diplomatic pressure on South Africa is mounting as more African countries threaten retaliatory measures over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals . While no government has officially announced a total closure of borders, threats of blockades, trade suspensions, and heightened security checks are gaining traction across the region in what analysts describe as the most serious diplomatic fallout since the end of apartheid . Neighbouring states such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which account for the majority of South Africa’s migrant population, are on high alert, with many citizens seeking to return home as tensions escalate .

Ghana has also summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Thando Dalamba, to protest the harassment and intimidation of Ghanaian citizens after viral videos surfaced showing a Ghanaian man in KwaZulu-Natal being confronted by a vigilante group and ordered to leave the country . Nigeria’s government, beyond immediate evacuations, is leveraging regional and bilateral channels to press Pretoria for lasting solutions, with officials reminding South Africa of Nigeria’s significant sacrifices during the anti-apartheid struggle and arguing that the current hostility betrays the solidarity that defined the liberation era .

South Africa’s DIRCO has rejected accusations that the country is xenophobic, describing recent incidents involving foreign nationals as isolated while reaffirming openness to diplomatic engagement . DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola has engaged counterparts from several African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, to brief them on developments and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of all people living in the country . The department dismissed social media claims that Ghanaian and Nigerian nationals had been killed during recent protests, saying there was “no credible evidence” to support such allegations .

Lamola stated that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors, and to hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with the law . He also noted that South Africa was reviewing its immigration policy framework to better address migration challenges and remained open to “continued diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue” with African countries on issues of mutual concern . “South Africa will continue to lead with a Pan-African heart,” Lamola said . “Our commitment is to solidarity, the rule of law, and the safety of all who reside within our borders. Migration must be managed through cooperation, compassion and continental responsibility” .

According to DIRCO, about 3 million migrants currently reside in South Africa, approximately 90 percent of whom are from other African countries . The government acknowledged that migration pressures, unemployment, and irregular migration had at times contributed to tensions between local communities and foreign nationals . South African authorities have condemned the attacks as criminal and unlawful, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stating that no one has the right to take the law into their hands . However, with over 118 Nigerians reportedly killed in xenophobic incidents between 2015 and 2026, the Nigerian government insists that rhetoric must now be matched with action .

The Nigerian community urged South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect the lives and rights of all residents, irrespective of nationality or immigration status . It also called for thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into all reported cases involving violent attacks, deaths in custody, and alleged extrajudicial killings . The group further urged authorities to strengthen measures against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice, and unlawful conduct by individuals or security personnel, while promoting community dialogue, social integration, and public education to discourage hatred, stereotyping, and violence against foreign nationals .

“No society can thrive where fear, mob justice, or unlawful violence become normalised,” the statement said . “Everyone remains innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty in a competent court of justice. We firmly believe that both South Africans and foreign nationals deserve equal protection under the law” . The Nigerian community said it remained committed to peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with South African authorities in pursuit of a safer society .

Xenophobia: 105 Nigerians Killed in South Africa in 7 Years

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NAHCON Chairman Orders Refunds for Nigerian Pilgrims Over Substandard Meals

Published

23 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf

NAHCON Chairman Orders Refunds for Nigerian Pilgrims Over Substandard Meals

Mina, Saudi Arabia – The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has expressed strong displeasure and rejected substandard meals served to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, citing violations of health and packaging regulations. In a statement issued by the commission’s management, NAHCON confirmed that the affected meals were dinner servings on the night of Tuesday, May 27, 2026, in Mina. The meals were immediately rejected in collaboration with Saudi health officials.

According to NAHCON, Saudi health authorities have been enforcing strict food safety standards during the ongoing Hajj operations, especially due to prevailing weather conditions in the Kingdom. The rejected meals failed to meet required handling and packaging protocols. To cushion the impact on affected pilgrims, the service support company provided alternative light refreshments. Meanwhile, NAHCON board members visited state officials and managers to brief them on the development.

Ambassador Yusuf has directed the commission’s security committee to immediately investigate the caterers involved in the substandard meal incident, as well as those who facilitated the contracts. The commission warned that any operator found culpable will face sanctions, including withdrawal of operating licenses. In addition, NAHCON has commenced arrangements for immediate refunds to pilgrims affected by the poor meal quality.

The NAHCON chairman also ordered a separate investigation into some tour operators accused of bringing in more pilgrims than they officially registered and allegedly exploiting unsuspecting pilgrims during the Hajj exercise. The commission warned that any operator found guilty would face severe penalties, including license withdrawal.

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The incident comes amid a massive food safety enforcement campaign by Saudi authorities. Reports indicate that the Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has conducted over 29,000 health and food safety inspections during the 1447 AH Hajj season, including testing more than 5,000 food samples through mobile and fixed laboratories. Authorities have confirmed that no cases of food poisoning have been recorded during the current Hajj season so far.

In a separate development, NAHCON confirmed that two Nigerian pilgrims are currently missing while performing this year’s rituals. They were identified as Muhammad Muhammad (Passport No. B05062275) and Ibrahim Iliyasu (Passport No. B05062278). Both pilgrims, from Sokoto State, were reported missing at Muzdalifah, where over 1.7 million pilgrims spent the night. Efforts are ongoing to locate them, NAHCON said.

Despite the challenges, NAHCON appreciated the understanding of the pilgrims and reassured all of its continued commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the Hajj period. “NAHCON appreciates the understanding of the pilgrims and reassures all of its continued commitment to their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise,” the statement concluded.