The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will introduce meal coupons for pilgrims during the 2017 Hajj exercise to effectively manage distribution.

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar, made the disclosure at a meeting on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with catering companies pre-qualified to provide feeding services to Nigerian pilgrims.

“We want each company to produce meal coupons to manage food distribution,” the Chairman was quoted to have said in a statement made available by his Special Assistant, Ishaq Jae.

He said Nigerian Government will also collect revenue of SR5 (N600) and SR20 (N2, 400) per pilgrim as service charge in Masha’er and Makkah respectively.

Mukhtar cautioned catering companies against bribing NAHCON staff and officials of State pilgrims boards in order to shot-change pilgrims.

“Do not attempt to give me, any of my staff or any official from State Pilgrims' Boards one ‘halalah’ and short-change pilgrims in your service because Allah SWT will surely be your judge,” the chairman cautioned the companies.

He also enjoined the catering companies to ensure that, they collaborate with Nigerian companies to supply them with Nigerian foodstuff and also to employ Nigerian hands to assist in giving Nigerian taste to the food.

•Photo shows NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar (Middle) in a meeting with catering companies pre-qualified to provide feeding services to Nigerian pilgrims on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Photo credited Ishaq Jae, SA to NAHCON Chairman

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