IHR Applauds Hajj Services, Slams Private Tour Firms

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation monitoring Hajj activities, has applauded key stakeholders for improvements in service delivery during the 2025 Hajj exercise, but raised concerns over the treatment of pilgrims who travelled through private tour operators.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, and issued from Makkah on Sunday, IHR praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ welfare boards, Saudi-based service providers, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for “significant strides” made in this year’s operations.

The organisation noted that, compared to previous years, Nigerian pilgrims experienced better airlift coordination, improved feeding arrangements, enhanced transportation within the Kingdom, and more organised tent allocations in Mina and Arafat.

“This year, complaints of poor-quality meals and late food delivery were nearly nonexistent,” the statement said, attributing the improvement to NAHCON’s decision to contract two food service providers, which introduced healthy competition and boosted overall standards.

IHR also lauded the Saudi authorities for preventing unauthorised persons from infiltrating the Mina tent areas, thereby ensuring more space and security for legitimate pilgrims.

On the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims, the group expressed pride, citing several instances of honesty and integrity, including cases of lost funds being returned to rightful owners.

“They have been true ambassadors of Nigeria,” Muhammad said.

Despite the improvements, the group highlighted some shortcomings in medical services, particularly the delayed setup of the Nigerian clinic in Makkah and inadequate medical support in Madinah.

IHR called on NAHCON to urgently review its health service delivery policies to avoid future lapses.

The group also demanded clarity on why over 2,500 intending pilgrims failed to get their visas processed within the timeline approved by Saudi authorities.

Most notably, IHR condemned the poor conditions endured by pilgrims who travelled through private tour operators. The group reported that many of these pilgrims were housed in remote and poorly equipped tents in Mina.

“Several tents lacked mattresses, forcing pilgrims to sleep on mats or makeshift bedding,” the group said, calling for an independent investigation into the matter and sanctions for those responsible.

As the return journey begins on June 13, IHR urged all stakeholders to ensure Nigerian pilgrims‘ smooth and timely repatriation.