Some Nigerians who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj are upset about the food they’re getting, despite paying a lot of money for the trip. They shared a photo on Facebook showing a small amount of food they received for breakfast: just a bit of pap and three bean cakes. The post mentioned that even though they paid over N8 million for the Hajj, they’re not getting the promised $300 out of $500 from the authorities.
A staff member from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) responded, saying they’re investigating the issue. They clarified that NAHCON fully takes care of food and accommodation in Madinah, but only supervises in Makkah. However, they promised to find out the truth and take action.
In another report, the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board mentioned that over 100 intending pilgrims from the state might miss the Hajj due to high fees.
The Nigerian government revealed that they spent N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 Hajj costs for citizens. Vice-President Kashim Shettima mentioned challenges with announcing the final Hajj fare due to fluctuating foreign exchange rates. President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to stabilize the currency helped lower the fare, with the government releasing N90 billion for the subsidy.
Shettima emphasized the government’s commitment to selecting trustworthy individuals to manage NAHCON’s affairs for the pilgrims’ welfare. They assured that the government monitors arrangements for the safety, security, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and at home.
