BY NGOZI A. NWANKWO

A faith-based civil society organisation (CSO) dedicated to monitoring and reporting on Hajj activities, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (SMPWBs), Saudi-based service providers, and other stakeholders for the noticeable improvement in service delivery during this year’s holy pilgrimage.

This is just as the organisation decried alleged poor treatment of pilgrims who travelled through private tour operators.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, from Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the group noted that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims, feeding arrangements, transportation within the Kingdom, and the allocation of tent spaces in Mina and Arafat showed significant improvement compared to previous years.

The IHR also praised the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for effectively curbing the yearly intrusion of unauthorised persons into the Mina tent areas—a move that created more space for duly registered pilgrims from all participating countries.

“This year, complaints of poor-quality meals and late food delivery were nearly nonexistent.

“This is largely due to NAHCON’s strategic decision to contract two service providers, which introduced competition and led to improved food services and additional amenities,” it noted.

The group further commended Nigerian pilgrims for conducting themselves with dignity and integrity, citing several instances where pilgrims returned misplaced funds to their rightful owners.

“They have been true ambassadors of Nigeria, and we pray Allah rewards them abundantly,” the statement said.

It, however, raised concerns about the inadequate medical support provided to Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah and the delayed establishment of the clinic in Makkah, urging the NAHCON to urgently review and improve its medical services policy to avoid a repeat in future Hajj operations.

IHR also called for transparency regarding the failure to process visas for over 2,500 intending pilgrims within the timeline approved by the Saudi authorities.

On the poor treatment of pilgrims by the private tour operators, the group stated that many of these pilgrims were accommodated in isolated areas in Mina without basic amenities.

“At the time of our visit, we observed that several tents lacked mattresses, and pilgrims were forced to sleep on mats or makeshift bedding.

“We call for an independent investigation into the matter and appropriate action against any individual or group responsible for the substandard services rendered to private pilgrims,” IHR stated.

As the return journey begins on June 13, the organisation called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure a smooth and timely airlift of pilgrims back to Nigeria.