The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Nigerian pilgrims’ lodging and feeding arrangements in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The committee led by the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) visited many pilgrims’ abodes to see how they were being served food.
Ndume said the assessment was out of concern over the alleged poor feeding of Nigerian pilgrims in the holy city, citing social media reports to that effect.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo, APC) advised Nigerian pilgrims to be well-guided, follow instructions, and ensure they worshipped Allah wholeheartedly during the pilgrimage.
Alli also advised the pilgrims not to be distracted by earthly things during the pilgrimage.
“About the welfare of the pilgrims: I think the pilgrims are well-taken care of, and as far as their feeding is concerned we have seen the food, it is basic and not below any standard,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services, at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said the commission’s team is working tirelessly to meet the needs of the pilgrims.
