Nigerian pilgrims lament absence of local dishes in Saudi Arabia

Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia, yesterday, lamented absence of local dishes in meals being served at Muna.

They also complained of “late and substandard” foods for them at Muna and Medina. According to them, some of the meals are not healthy for consumption.

The pilgrims made the complaints during a visit of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Board to various tents in Muna.

The team comprised Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Adamu Bulkachuwa, Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawan and Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah/Senior Counselor 1, Idris Umar Kumo.

Some of the states visited include Jigawa, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kwara, Abia, FCT, Ebonyi, Ogun and Yobe.

NAHCON Chairman, Zikrullah Hassan, claimed that the Saudi authorities altered extant meal arrangements. He recalled that every state used to nominate caterers in Mina, adding: “But this year, the Saudi government insisted to be in charge of the meal.”

The commission, he said, had written to the Saudi authorities on the development. Senator Bulkachuwa, while urging patience, assured Nigerians of better deal.

The Federal Government, he said, would work with its Saudi counterpart to ensure the pilgrims get the very best treatment in the Holy Land.