By Jabiru Hassan
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) Media Monitoring Team has identified significant gaps between the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims and the services provided during the 2026 Hajj operations in Mina and Arafat.
The observations were contained in the team’s assessment report covering feeding services, pilgrims’ welfare, official presence, orientation programmes and Hadaya (animal sacrifice) arrangements.
On feeding services in Mina, the monitoring team observed that meal distribution was not adequately coordinated. While some camps received meals on time, others experienced considerable delays.
The report noted that although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards.
Consequently, the IHR called for refunds to be made to states where meal supplies were either not delivered or where the quality of food provided failed to meet approved standards for pilgrims.
Regarding pilgrims’ welfare and official presence, the team observed a shortage of officials in some state pilgrims’ tents, with many officials reportedly unavailable during visits by the monitoring team.
The report further noted that while some state officials wore their designated uniforms, others were dressed in ihram, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.
However, the team commended staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their commitment throughout the exercise.
According to the report, NAHCON personnel were visible across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camp in Mina, attending to pilgrims and assisting with meal distribution while wearing official uniforms.
On the conduct of pilgrims and religious orientation, the monitoring team based its findings on observations from randomly selected tents in Mina.
The team recommended that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.
It noted that such orientation programmes would strengthen adherence to the spiritual objectives of Hajj and promote better conduct among pilgrims.
On Hadaya, the IHR Media Monitoring Team expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the conduct of animal sacrifice for Nigerian pilgrims.
The report stated that there appeared to be no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and implementation of the exercise, leaving many pilgrims vulnerable to possible exploitation.
While some states successfully conducted the Hadaya exercise and established committees to supervise its implementation, the team observed that others collected payments from pilgrims without providing verifiable evidence that the sacrifices were carried out.
The IHR therefore urged NAHCON, in its oversight capacity, to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya during future Hajj operations.
According to the team, such measures would enhance transparency, accountability and public confidence in the process.
