The management National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has launched investigation on the caterers and their contract facilitators for allegedly serving Nigerian pilgrims, who are currently in Saudi Arabia performing the 2926 Hajj exercise, with substandard meal in Minna.
Minna, a tented town at the outskirt of Mecca, is the place where millions of pilgrims converge and spend three days performing the annual Hajj rituals.
The Hajj commission has taken this decision following a widespread complaint about the meal served to the pilgrims in the on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, the management noted that the dinner served did not meet the required handling and packaging standards.
The meals were therefore rejected immediately in collaboration with NAHCON.
The NAHCON said alternative light refreshment was provided by the service support company to cushion the situation, adding that its board members had to go round to explain the situation to the affected state managers.
The management disclosed that the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, had directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers and those who facilitated their contracts.
It noted that the situation had violated the routine health measures and strict food safety standards set by Saudi health authorities.
“Please be informed that the Saudi health authorities have continued to enforce strict food safety standards to ensure the wellbeing of all pilgrims during the Hajj period, especially considering the prevailing weather conditions.
” As part of these routine health measures, some dinner meals from last night’s service, 27th May 2026, 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.
“Meanwhile, the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers and those who facilitated their contracts,” NAHCON said in the statement.
In a similar development, the Chairman has 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. At the conclusion of investigations, those found guilty will be penalized and have their licenses withdrawn.
Meanwhile, arrangements have been initiated for soonest refunds to pilgrims affected by last night’s meal situation.
NAHCON appreciates the understanding of the pilgrims and reassures all of its continued commitment to their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise.
