IHR Flags Service Gaps in Mina, Arafat Operations During 2026 Hajj

    

The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, Media Monitoring Team has identified significant gaps between the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims and the services provided during the 2026 Hajj in Mina and Arafat, particularly in feeding, pilgrims’ welfare, official presence, religious orientation, and Hadaya, the animal sacrifice.

The observations were contained in a report released on Friday by the Chairman of the IHR Media Monitoring Team, Nasiru Lawal, following an assessment of Hajj operations at the two holy sites.

According to the report, the distribution of meals to pilgrims in Mina was poorly coordinated, resulting in delays in several camps. While some camps received meals on time, others reportedly waited for extended periods before food was delivered.

The monitoring team noted that although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some cases fell below acceptable standards.

As a result, IHR called for refunds to be made to pilgrims in states where meals were not supplied as scheduled or where the quality of food failed to meet approved standards.

The report also highlighted concerns regarding pilgrims’ welfare and the visibility of officials from State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. According to the monitoring team, there was a noticeable shortage of officials in some state camps, while many others were difficult to reach during visits by the team.

It further observed that while some officials wore identifiable uniforms, others were dressed in ihram, making it difficult for pilgrims to distinguish them from fellow pilgrims and seek assistance when necessary.

Despite these concerns, the team commended the efforts of staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, noting that commission personnel were consistently visible across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camp in Mina. Members of the monitoring team reported seeing NAHCON officials attending to pilgrims and assisting in meal distribution while dressed in official uniforms, describing their commitment as commendable.

On the conduct of pilgrims and their religious orientation, the report stated that observations from randomly selected tents in Mina indicated the need for improved enlightenment programmes before pilgrims proceed to the holy sites.

The team recommended that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values, and expected religious conduct to better prepare pilgrims and strengthen adherence to the spiritual objectives of Hajj.

The report also raised concerns about the conduct of Hadaya, the ritual animal sacrifice performed during Hajj. According to IHR, there appears to be a lack of transparency in the collection of payments and implementation of the exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.

The team noted that while some states established committees and successfully supervised the sacrifice process, others merely collected payments from pilgrims without providing verifiable evidence that the sacrifices had been carried out.

IHR warned that the absence of a clear regulatory framework leaves pilgrims vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous officials.

To address the issue, the monitoring team urged NAHCON to develop and enforce a standardized framework for the collection of Hadaya payments and the implementation of the sacrifice exercise in future Hajj operations. According to the report, such measures would enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the management of Hajj services for Nigerian pilgrims.

The report was signed by Nasiru Lawal, Chairman of the Independent Hajj Reporters Media Monitoring Team for the 2026 Hajj, and dated 5 June 2026.