The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has pledged that Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj will receive high-quality, nutritious meals tailored to their cultural preferences, through a robust monitoring mechanism put in place in Madinah.
This assurance was given by the Head of NAHCON’s Madinah Feeding Committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, during an inspection of the seven catering companies responsible for serving over 17,000 Nigerian pilgrims who have already arrived in the holy city.
In a statement released on Friday by the committee’s Public Affairs Officer, Malam Ahmad Muazu, Kabir stated: “We have adopted a comprehensive oversight structure to maintain food quality and safety. From the moment ingredients are received to the final serving, every process is closely monitored.”
Kabir noted that the inspection was thorough, covering ingredient quality, expiration dates, and hygiene standards. “We enforce a strict policy against the use of expired items. Every packaged product, from condiments to preserved goods, is carefully checked,” he added.
He emphasized that only natural ingredients are permitted in food preparation. “NAHCON has banned artificial flavor enhancers and preservatives to protect the integrity and nutritional value of traditional Nigerian meals,” Kabir said.
The inspected kitchens include Africana Home Restaurant, Amjad Alghraa, Al-Andalus, Mawasim Khairat, Na’a Azad, Zowar Muktara, and Kabala Catering. Each facility was assessed on parameters such as cleanliness, staff competence, and functionality of kitchen equipment.
The committee also stressed the importance of cultural representation, ensuring that Nigerian cooks and support staff are employed in these kitchens. “This move not only promotes cultural authenticity but also creates job opportunities for our people,” Kabir noted.
Meanwhile, the Madinah Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulkadir Oloyin, raised concerns over the type of food containers being used. He issued a stern warning to service providers, saying, “The use of low-quality packaging is unacceptable. All food must be served in standardized, safe, and user-friendly containers.”
The Hajj airlift operation for 2025 began on May 9, with NAHCON and the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards overseeing the logistics. As of May 16, over 17,000 pilgrims had been transported to Madinah, with some already proceeding to Mecca.
Kabir concluded, “This feeding initiative goes beyond satisfying hunger. It is about preserving the dignity and cultural identity of Nigerian pilgrims during their spiritual journey.”