Hajj 2026: IHR seeks refunds for pilgrims over poor feeding, faults welfare services in Mina, Arafat
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) media monitoring team has identified shortcomings in the delivery of key services to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, citing concerns over feeding, welfare support, official presence and the conduct of Hadaya (animal sacrifice) exercises in Mina and Arafat.
In a report released on Friday, the monitoring team said there was a noticeable gap between the expectations of pilgrims and the services eventually provided in some critical areas of the pilgrimage.
Nasiru Lawal, chairman of the IHR media monitoring team for the 2026 Hajj, signed the report.
The assessment covered feeding arrangements, pilgrims’ welfare, orientation programmes, official presence and Hadaya services during the Hajj rites in Mina and Arafat.
On feeding services, the team said meal distribution in Mina was poorly coordinated, with some camps receiving food on time while others experienced significant delays.
The report noted that although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards.
As a result, the group called for refunds to be made to pilgrims in states where meals were either not supplied or where the food provided failed to meet approved standards.
“While some camps received their meals early, others experienced considerable delays. Although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards,” the report said.
The monitoring team also raised concerns over the availability of state officials assigned to support pilgrims in Mina.
According to the report, officials were absent from some state pilgrims’ tents during monitoring visits, while many could not be reached when needed.
It further noted that some officials wore ihram instead of official uniforms, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.
Despite the concerns, the team commended officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their visibility and commitment throughout the exercise.
The report said NAHCON personnel were observed across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camp attending to pilgrims and assisting with meal distribution while wearing identifiable official uniforms.
On pilgrims’ conduct and religious orientation, the monitoring team recommended that NAHCON and state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.
It said such orientation programmes would help reinforce the spiritual objectives of Hajj and encourage better behaviour among pilgrims.
The report also expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the implementation of Hadaya, the ritual animal sacrifice performed during Hajj.
According to the monitoring team, there is currently no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and execution of the exercise, exposing pilgrims to potential exploitation.
The group said while some states established committees to supervise the sacrifice and ensure compliance, others merely collected payments from pilgrims without providing evidence that the sacrifice was carried out.
IHR urged NAHCON to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya in future Hajj operations.
The group said such a framework would strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the process.
