Nigerian Hajj Pilgrims Protest ‘Spoilt Food, Poor Welfare’ In Mina, Allege Provision Of Unfamiliar Dishes
Nigerian Hajj Pilgrims Protest ‘Spoilt Food, Poor Welfare’ In Mina, Allege Provision Of Unfamiliar Dishes
The affected pilgrims alleged that the company failed to provide culturally suitable meals and basic amenities despite payments covering feeding and accommodation services within the sacred sites.
Some Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia have expressed outrage over what they described as poor feeding and welfare conditions in Mina, accusing a contracted service provider, Mashariq Dhabiya, of inadequate care.
The affected pilgrims alleged that the company failed to provide culturally suitable meals and basic amenities despite payments covering feeding and accommodation services within the sacred sites.
Several pilgrims who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday, under condition of anonymity, complained that the meals provided since their arrival in Mina have mostly consisted of foreign dishes unfamiliar to Nigerians and difficult for them to eat. They also noted that the portions were too small, often insufficient even for children.
“A company named Mashariq Dhabiya contracted to offer services in Mina has been offering non-Nigerian dishes. The food has no taste and the quantity barely feeds a child,” one of the pilgrims said.
The pilgrims further alleged that one night’s food distribution was spoiled and gave off a foul odour.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows numerous food packs discarded after being rejected by pilgrims.
VIDEO: Nigerian Hajj Pilgrims Protest ‘Spoilt Food, Poor Welfare’ In Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/Prox1bDhkf
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 28, 2026
“They brought food last night that had spoilt. It was smelling. Many people rejected it,” the source also alleged.
The situation reportedly compelled many Nigerian pilgrims to spend their own money on food around the holy sites, despite having already paid for feeding as part of their Hajj packages.
“Pilgrims are now constrained to buying food in the sacred area because what they are serving is not acceptable. We paid for three meals daily at the sacred sites,” the pilgrim lamented.
Apart from feeding concerns, the pilgrims also complained about the lack of basic amenities in the camps.
Some pilgrims alleged that the service provider failed to supply cold water despite the extreme heat currently being experienced in Saudi Arabia.
Others claimed they went to bed hungry on Tuesday night after meals were either delayed or not provided at all.
“Last night, pilgrims were left without food. Many slept hungry,” one of them said.
Complaints also extended to accommodation, with some pilgrims alleging that only mattresses and beddings were provided, without blankets.
Several pilgrims noted that the meals served in both Arafat and Mina remained largely unchanged, with Jollof rice reportedly dominating the menu throughout the pilgrimage.
Others recalled that during previous Hajj operations managed by different service providers, Nigerian dishes more familiar to the pilgrims were made available. One pilgrim urged the authorities and service providers to improve welfare arrangements for Nigerians in future exercises.
