Hajj 2025: CSO Urges States To Include Feeding Menus In Pilgrims’ Enlightenment Programmes

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based nonprofit that reports on and advocates for improved Hajj policies, has called on State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions to incorporate detailed feeding menus into their enlightenment programmes for prospective Hajj pilgrims.

IHR national coordinator Ibrahim Mohammed, in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, emphasised that the call was prompted by past incidents where pilgrims expressed dissatisfaction with the nature and quantity of food provided during the pilgrimage.

“We recall an unfortunate incident during last year’s Hajj when some pilgrims shared pictures of the meals served, alleging that they were either inadequate or distasteful,” he said.

He added that potential conflicts during the Hajj operations could be minimised by informing pilgrims about the feeding menu and the limitations in available choices.

The civil society organisation (CSO) stressed that with all service provision contracts already signed, state officials know the types of food pilgrims will receive.

“Officials should use the final days of their enlightenment programmes to inform intending pilgrims about the menu, including the number of meals served per day and the nature of the food, so that expectations are set appropriately before they arrive in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

IHR also urged that special dietary needs be considered when preparing the feeding menu.

“Pilgrims with specific dietary requirements—such as those with digestive disorders like celiac disease, food allergies, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), or chronic conditions like diabetes—should have their needs adequately addressed,” he said.

He highlighted that rice, a staple in Saudi Arabia, may not be suitable for diabetic pilgrims and recommended that officials work with diabetic groups to identify acceptable alternatives.

Furthermore, IHR cautioned pilgrims against bypassing the meals provided at their accommodations in favour of queuing for alternative offerings, such as “Sabil” meals, which they described as being of lower quality.

“Adequate enlightenment is needed to dissuade our pilgrims from abandoning the meals prepared for them and start looking for foreign-prepared alternatives. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria consistently ensures that the feeding menu reflects our country’s food patterns,” he said.