The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SPWB) have criticized Saudi Arabian company Mutawifs for their poor treatment of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2023 hajj. Approximately 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims were subjected to hardship in Mina, Saudi Arabia due to the company’s failure to provide adequate tents, food, and other services.
The pilgrims, along with millions of others, traveled from Mina to Arafah, Muzdalifah, and back to Mina to perform their hajj rites. Before the hajj began, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required NAHCON to pay Mutawifs for services such as transportation, tents, and food for the Nigerian pilgrims. However, the company fell short in fulfilling its responsibilities.
Instead of providing enough bed space for 95,000 pilgrims, Mutawifs only accommodated 43,000. The food provided during the pilgrims’ five-day stay in Mina was insufficient, and the environment was not well-maintained. As a result, there was anger, tension, and uproar among the Nigerian pilgrims.
During a post-Arafat meeting, NAHCON chairman Alhaji Zikrullahi Kunle Hassan expressed his disappointment with Mutawifs for their treatment of the Nigerian pilgrims. He highlighted how the company had squeezed the pilgrims into the same capacity of tents as the previous year when there were only 43,000 pilgrims. This year, with 95,000 pilgrims, the conditions were even worse.
Hassan demanded that Mutawifs hand over the responsibility of providing food to Nigerian pilgrims. He emphasized that Nigerian pilgrims have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment with the company’s performance. He also requested a refund for the money paid for the food that was not supplied.
The poor treatment of Nigerian pilgrims by Mutawifs has raised concerns and warrants a thorough investigation. It reflects the need for better regulation and oversight to ensure that the welfare of pilgrims is adequately addressed. The NAHCON, AHOUN, and SPWB have a crucial role to play in holding companies accountable for their responsibilities and ensuring the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims in future hajj seasons.
It is important that all stakeholders work together to address these issues and prevent a recurrence in the future. The Nigerian government should also take steps to protect the rights and well-being of its citizens participating in the hajj pilgrimage. The welfare of Nigerian pilgrims should be a top priority, and measures should be put in place to ensure their safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout the entire hajj experience.
