Stay away from unapproved food vendors, NAHCON warns pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has warned pilgrims presently in Mecca, Saudi Arabia against patronising unapproved food vendors

The Nigerian pilgrims are undergoing the Hajj, an annual Islamic religious rite for 2023. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out annually.

The commission’s Coordinator in Madina, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, on Wednesday in Madinah.

Mahmud said the commission had engaged the services of approved caterers for pilgrims to protect them against eating contaminated food.

He explained that NAHCON had negotiated with the Saudi-based caterers in partnership with the Nigerian indigenous caterers to prepare local cuisines for the pilgrims.

Mahmud revealed that the commission has so far, inspected the kitchens where the caterers would be preparing food for the pilgrims to ensure that they get value for their money.

He said, “Since the arrival of the NAHCON’s Advance Team on May 26, we undertook some activities which include a visit to all the relevant offices here in Madina.

“We visited the airport, the logistics company, offices of accommodation providers, and kitchens of the caterers that will provide food for Nigerian pilgrims.

“The purpose of embarking on the visits was to inform them that the Nigerian delegation is on the ground and ready to commence the exercise with a view to ensure smooth hajj operation.”

The coordinator said he held a coordination meeting with heads of various committees to strategies on how to conduct hajj operations effectively.

“Since May 26, we started receiving pilgrims from Nasarawa State, who were warmly welcomed by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal.

“He was accompanied by the Consul General, Bello Kazaure and other mission staff from both the Nigerian Embassy and Consulate in Riyadh.

“Thereafter, the pilgrims were taken to their respective accommodations by the committee in charge of accommodations. So, also the feeding committee ensures that food is provided for them.

“So far, from May 26 to date, we have received no fewer than 10,484 Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and the transportation of pilgrims is ongoing. All the pilgrims are well accommodated and are going about their religious activities.”
(NAN)