Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have expressed strong disapproval of a social media report alleging poor breakfast provisions for FCT pilgrims. The controversy arose from viral posts by a Sahara reporter, claiming that after paying N8 million for the 2024 Hajj fare, pilgrims were receiving substandard meals.
Checks at the NAMA EL SRIYA HOTEL in Makkah revealed the report to be untrue. The pilgrims disassociated themselves from the claims, labeling them the work of social media influencers. Jibrin Madaki, a pilgrim, told Voice of Nigeria, “That person is just trying to be a mischief. I think he must have eaten more than half of that breakfast before he took the photo of the remnant and mischievously sent it to his friend who posted it on Facebook.”
Mr. Idris Jamilu, another pilgrim staying near Bin Laden Mosque, refuted the claims, stating, “If anybody should complain, it should be us (the pilgrims) and not someone in Nigeria. Look, nothing of such happened as has been speculated on social media. They are just looking for trouble.” He urged the media to verify information before publication.
Maryam Umar highlighted the inevitability of criticism, particularly given the Federal Government’s N90 billion subsidy for this year’s Hajj. She noted, “Most of the time we have to discard the leftovers because there is nobody in Saudi Arabia to give it to. So how can somebody snap his leftovers and send the photo to share as a full breakfast ration?”
Hajiya Hadiza, responsible for feeding the FCT Pilgrims, assured that adequate arrangements had been made for their stay in Makkah. She encouraged pilgrims to channel any complaints to the board, noting that no formal grievances had been received so far.
