NAHCON Warns Against Food Racketeering, Sanctions Caterer for Delay in Service Delivery

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a warning to state officials responsible for the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims regarding the unlawful practice of food racketeering.

Hajia Bilkis Umar Hawa, Chairperson of the Feeding Committee in Medinah, emphasised this concern during a guided tour for journalists at one of the contracted caterers located on the outskirts of the city.

She revealed that the Commission has made adequate provisions for the nourishment of all 95,000 Nigerian Pilgrims expected to participate in the hajj rites of 2023 within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hajia Bilkis further assured that NAHCON has spared no effort in ensuring the provision of high-quality and sufficient food for the Pilgrims, revealing that two caterers have already faced severe disciplinary measures due to their failure to deliver meals promptly.

This action, Citizen FM learnt was taken as a deterrent to other kitchens involved in the process, and NAHCON would be displeased if the food, despite their extensive efforts, is not distributed fairly by state officials to the Pilgrims.

Speaking with our correspondent, Adamu Kabir from Sokoto State expressed his satisfaction with the measures taken by NAHCON to address the issue of food provision.

He acknowledged the significant efforts being made to ensure their well-being throughout the pilgrimage.

Also, Rasheedat Yusuf from Kwara State commended NAHCON for a good service delivery, confirming there has never been significant delays in the delivery of meals to them.

She expressed her hope for NAHCON to continue achieving success in all aspects of the Hajj operations.