By Shafii Sani Mohammed

A delegation of the National Assembly, vested with oversight responsibilities over the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), conducted an inspection tour of Nigerian pilgrims’ tents in Mina as part of its evaluation of the 2026 Hajj operations.

The oversight visit formed part of the National Assembly’s statutory mandate to monitor Hajj operations and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive efficient, high-quality services throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, the delegation inspected some Nigerian state tents where it engaged with pilgrims and officials responsible for their welfare. In the course of these interactions, state coordinators and pilgrims alike expressed satisfaction with the services being rendered by NAHCON, particularly with regard to accommodation and catering arrangements.

The pilgrims commended the quality and consistency of the meals provided throughout their stay in Mina. However, they appealed for the inclusion of a wider variety of Nigerian local dishes in future Hajj operations, noting that many elderly pilgrims are more familiar with local cuisine and often experience difficulty adapting to some of the meals currently served.

The pilgrims also drew attention to the need for additional toilet facilities within the camps, observing that the existing amenities frequently result in long queues, particularly during peak periods. They appealed to the relevant authorities to consider increasing the number of such facilities in order to enhance comfort, convenience, and sanitation.

Furthermore, the pilgrims expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and for the support extended toward ensuring the successful conduct of the Hajj exercise. They also conveyed their gratitude to the National Assembly delegation for undertaking the visit and personally assessing their conditions and concerns.

Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Senator Ali Ndume, urged the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria. He encouraged them to remember the nation’s leaders, their families, and fellow citizens in their supplications while performing the sacred rites of Hajj.

Senator Ndume assured the pilgrims that all observations and concerns raised during the tour would be thoroughly documented and given due consideration. He explained that while some of the issues highlighted fall within the jurisdiction of the respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and state governments, matters directly related to NAHCON would be incorporated into the committee’s recommendations in its oversight report.

Also addressing the pilgrims, the Chairman of the House Committee on Hajj and Umrah, Honourable Ja’afar Mohammed, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly and the Federal Government to the welfare and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims. He assured them that their feedback would receive careful consideration as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Hajj administration and enhance service delivery.

Honourable Mohammed further encouraged the pilgrims to pray for the unity, peace, and continued progress of Nigeria, as well as for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, their families, and loved ones.

•Shafii reports from Mina, Saudi Arabia

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