NAHCON Chairman Orders Refunds for Nigerian Pilgrims Over Substandard Meals

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.

NAHCON Chairman Orders Refunds for Nigerian Pilgrims Over Substandard Meals