TheCable

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says pilgrims should avoid patronising unapproved food vendors while in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Ibrahim Mahmud, NAHCON coordinator in Madina, said the commission has engaged approved caterers to protect pilgrims from consuming contaminated food.

The Hajj commission commenced airlifting 470 intending pilgrims from Nasarawa on May 25.

Mahmud said Saudi-based caterers have partnered with Nigerian food vendors to cook local cuisines for the pilgrims, adding that the kitchens have been properly inspected.

“Since the arrival of NAHCON’s Advance Team on May 26, we undertook some activities which include visit to all the relevant offices here in Madina,” NAN quoted Mahmud as saying.

“We visited the airport, the logistics company, Adilah, offices of accommodation providers, and kitchens of the caterers that will provide food for the Nigerian pilgrims.

“The purpose of embarking on the visits was to inform them that the Nigerian delegation are on the ground and ready to commence the exercise with a view to ensuring smooth hajj operation.

“Since May 26, we started receiving pilgrims from Nasarawa State who were warmly welcomed by the Nigerian ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal.

“He was accompanied by the consul general, Bello Kazaure and other mission staff from both the Nigerian embassy and consulate in Riyadh.

“Thereafter, the pilgrims were taken to their respective accomodation by the committee in charge of accomodation. So also the feeding committee ensures that food is provided for them.

“So far from May 26 to date, we have received no fewer than 10,484 Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and the transportation of pilgrims is ongoing.

“All the pilgrims were well accommodated and they are going about their religious activities.”