NAHCON rejects substandard meals, insists no compromise on food safety regulations

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday rejected the dinner meals provided for some Nigerian pilgrims in their tents in Mina and promptly ordered an investigation of the caterers responsible for the substandard meals and those who facilitated their contracts.

This is even as NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, directed the commission’s central security committee to thoroughly investigate and identify the tour operators who brought in more pilgrims than they actually registered, and in the process, exploited innocent Nigerian pilgrims

The investigation, according to the commission management, was meant to identify the culprit operators and impose sanctions, including the withdrawal of their licence.

The management informed on Thursday that the rejection of Wednesday’s dinners for some states was in line with the Saudi health authorities’ strict food safety standards enforcement in order to ensure the well-being of pilgrims during this year’s Hajj period.

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It added upon rejection of the dinners for the affected pilgrims, light refreshments were provided by the service support company to cushion the situation.

According to the commission, its board members further went around to explain the situation to the officials of the affected states.

“Please be informed that the Saudi health authorities have continued to enforce strict food safety standards to ensure the well-being 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,” the management stated in a release made available to Tribune Online today.

The commission, however, assured that arrangements have been initiated for the soonest refunds to pilgrims affected by last night’s meal situation.

In another development, Ambassador Yusuf has instructed NAHCON 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 penalised and have their licenses withdrawn,” the commission stated.

It then expressed appreciation to Nigerian pilgrims for their understanding and reassured them of its continued commitment to their welfare throughout the Hajj exercise and prayed to Allah to accept their acts of worship.