NAHCON Demands Muna, Arafat Feeding from Saudi Arabia Govt

Hammed Shittu in Makkah.

The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has demanded the Saudi Arabia Government to return feeding to the Commission and the provision of well spacious tents accommodation for the Nigeria pilgrims in Muna and Arafat during hajj exercise
The Commission said the demand became imperative in view of the poor handling of feeding and tents accommodation at Muna and Arafat during the just concluded hajji operations.

Speaking in Makkah in Saudi Arabia yesterday, with the leadership of Company Mutawifs for Pilgrims from African Non Arab Countries, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan said the return of feeding pilgrims to the Commission and Muslim Welfare Boards would reduce the sufferings being experienced by the pilgrims at Muna and Arafat during hajji exercises.

He added: “Feeding should be returned to us. We will manage it ourselves so we screened and make sure the foods are of the Nigerian taste.
“Return feeding to us then you can regulate and supervise as we used to previously in Makkah and Madinah, it may not be perfect but is better for us. At Muna we couldn’t have any alternative to buy food as no vendors.
“On catering services, we can only complain. We only contributed in the menu, but we never knew the caterers that are cooking for our pilgrims at Muna and Arafat.

“And our belief is there’s difference between how we cook and how your cooks can cook for us.
“Late was observed delivering the foods. Invaders came in more to give our pilgrims what they wanted and that contributed towards the influx on invaders.”
He added that, “Muna was turned market bazaar and essence of Hajj lost. We are not to check that as we are not in the position
“The feedback from our pilgrims, is tent lacking issue. Last year’s 43,000 was same used for this year, no way it will suffice.

“This year weather was hasher and Pilgrims under the sun suffered really. We can only complain as we are helpless especially the pilgrims didn’t enjoy the Hajj and the first and last Hajj experience is not the best. Some invaders were chased but yet not enough space.”
He noted further that, the development has exposed many pilgrims into series of health challenges since the pilgrims cannot sleep at tent due to inadequate of tents at Muna.

Hassan, however urged the leadership of Mutawwifs to allow NAHCON to inspect the tents accommodation a month to the commencement of the hajji operations.
He said that, the gesture would help the Commission to point to where the corrections would be required before bringing the pilgrims to the Saudi Arabia for hajji operations.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary, Adamawa state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, who spoke on behalf of 36 and FCT said “We commend the Mutawwif and Chairman has said our position in the 2024 Hajj.

“Interest of every business end user must be satisfied. Mutawwif must not insist to feed Pilgrims.
“In Adamawa no some food offered from the 8th of ZulHijjah no food, no water, no mobility from Muzdalifah to Muna and Jamarat.”

Responding, the Vice President of Mutawwifs, Alhaji  Badr Bafqih, who expressed concern over the plights of Nigeria pilgrims during the just concluded hajji operations, said he would make the demands of NAHCON to the appropriate quarters and relay the feedback in soonest time so as to have a future smooth hajji operations.