The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has firmly denied allegations of negligence and poor treatment of pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj. These claims, which surfaced on social media, were dismissed as false and baseless by the board.

Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kaura Mata, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for the 2024 Hajj exercise, rebutted the accusations, asserting that the FCT had made extensive preparations for its pilgrims, securing high-quality accommodations in Makkah and Medina. He emphasized that these arrangements were selected not only for their comfort but also for their proximity to the Haram, enabling pilgrims to perform their five daily prayers conveniently.

Dr. Kaura Mata highlighted the rigorous measures taken to ensure the well-being of the pilgrims, including the establishment of a subcommittee dedicated to monitoring and inspecting the food services. “The FCT Administration takes the safety and well-being of the pilgrims very seriously,” he stated. “We have set up a subcommittee to inspect the kitchens and facilities of our food vendors to ensure compliance with our standards.”

Our correspondent in Makkah reported that the board had assembled a high-powered Feeding Committee to oversee the quality of food and services provided. This committee is actively engaged in regular inspections and meetings with the food vendors to ensure adherence to the contractual agreements.

“The Director of the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abubakar Evuti, and the feeding committee are constantly meeting with the management of the contracting company to monitor services and protect the interests of the FCT contingents,” Dr. Kaura Mata added. “The team has visited these kitchens and confirmed that everything is being done according to the agreed menu. These false narratives about poor feeding and dirty accommodations are unfounded.”

He urged pilgrims to disregard the misleading social media posts and focus on their spiritual duties during the Hajj. “I urge you all to disregard these accusations. They are baseless and only aimed at distracting you from your primary reason for being here,” he said.

One pilgrim, Mr. Umar Shaiubu, a politician and former Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), expressed his disappointment with the negative social media posts. “I am here to seek Allah’s forgiveness and blessings, not to post about the food I am eating,” he said. “Some of us are too focused on social media instead of devoting our time to worship and prayer.”

Mr. Shaiubu stressed the importance of positive representation and gratitude. “If you compare what we are receiving to other places, you will notice that we are well taken care of. Unfortunately, people are quick to criticize but slow to commend the management for their efforts.”

He called on FCT pilgrims to be good ambassadors for Nigeria, urging them to share positive stories about their experiences. “Let’s focus on saying positive things about our country and states instead of seeking relevance on social media all the time,” he concluded.

In a bid to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah enjoy quality meals, the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board’s feeding subcommittee inspected the kitchen of contracted food vendors.

The visit aimed to strengthen monitoring and supervision, protecting the interests of FCT pilgrims in the Holy Land.

Director Abubakar Adamu Evuti expressed satisfaction with the services, urging the vendors to sustain their efforts.

He presented observations from pilgrims regarding food taste and aroma, assuring them that the Board will ensure proper standards are maintained.

Evuti said, “We inspected the kitchen to see the food preparation and packaging for ourselves.

The quality and quantity meet the agreed standards, and the menu provided is strictly adhered to.

Our staff assist in packaging, ensuring Nigerians abroad enjoy familiar foods.”

The Director assured pilgrims that any challenges should be reported, and improvements will be made.

He commended the caterers for their efforts, noting a significant difference between the actual food preparation and earlier social media posts.

Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, Head of Unit, Pilgrims Welfare Services, expressed commitment to adhering to the specified menu, ensuring quality meals for pilgrims.

The menu includes local dishes like tuwo shinkafa, tuwo semo, jollof rice, and fresh fruits.

The Chief Caterer, Mr. Mustapha Musa, commended the Director and his team for their supervision, ensuring quality service delivery.”