Some Nigerian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise have raised concerns over alleged poor welfare and feeding conditions in Mina, accusing service provider Mashariq Dhabiya of failing to deliver adequate services despite payments covering feeding and accommodation.
According to several pilgrims who spoke anonymously, the company allegedly served unfamiliar foreign meals in very small portions, leaving many dissatisfied and hungry.
“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 pilgrim alleged.
Some pilgrims also claimed that spoiled food was distributed on one occasion, forcing many people to reject the meals.
“They brought food last night that had spoilt. It was smelling. Many people rejected it,” another pilgrim said.
The affected pilgrims further lamented that despite paying for three meals daily as part of their Hajj package, many have been forced to buy food with personal funds because the meals provided were allegedly inadequate and unacceptable.
They also complained about delayed food distribution, lack of cold drinking water and poor accommodation conditions in Mina.
“Last night, pilgrims were left without food. Many slept hungry,” one of the pilgrims claimed.
The allegations have since sparked reactions online as concerns continue to grow over the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj exercise.