By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

A faith-based civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on States? Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to include feeding arrangements in their ongoing enlightenment programmes for intending pilgrims.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Tuesday April 8, 2025, citing repeated complaints from pilgrims over food served during previous Hajj exercises.

It advised pilgrims to take advantage of the meals prepared by Nigerian officials, which are often tailored to suit Nigerian taste and nutritional needs.

IHR also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for always working to ensure that meals served to Nigerian pilgrims reflect local food patterns.

It however noted that, pilgrims deserve to know the kind of meals they will be served in Saudi Arabia before they depart Nigeria, especially now that all catering contracts have been signed.

?We recall an unfortunate incident during last year?s Hajj when some pilgrims shared pictures of meals served to them, alleging that it was either inadequate or distasteful,? the group said.

The organisation urged states to use the remaining days of their orientation programmes to brief pilgrims on the daily menu, number of meals, and the limitations of meal choices while in the Holy Land.

?This, we believe, will prepare the minds of the pilgrims and reduce to the barest minimum any misgivings over the feeding menu at the holy land,? the statement added.

The group also stressed the need to consider pilgrims with dietary restrictions, such as those suffering from diabetes, food allergies, celiac disease, or swallowing difficulties.

?Rice is the staple food in Saudi Arabia, which is hardly eaten by diabetics. We therefore urge officials to take cognisance of this and work with diabetic pilgrims in their entourage to find a common ground,? IHR said.

The group further warned intending pilgrims against abandoning the meals provided at their accommodations to queue for sabil (free food) in public areas.

?Pilgrims should not abandon their food at their accommodation only to line up to collect sabil that is not as tasty as the one they paid for in their fare,? the group cautioned.