A former Hajj official, Umar Shehu from Zaria, has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reconsider the regular use of fish in meals served to Nigerian pilgrims, citing cultural preferences among Fulani pilgrims.
In a public statement posted on his Facebook page on 17 Dhul-Qa’dah, 1446 (15 May 2025), Umar explained that many Fulani pilgrims avoid eating fish and are left hungry despite having paid for meals, often resorting to purchasing expensive alternatives with their personal funds.
“The year I served as an official, it was one of the most heartbreaking things I witnessed,” he said. “Many simply skip the food provided and go in search of something else, even though they’ve already paid.”
Umar noted that this issue was previously raised at the 2022 Hajj stakeholders’ meeting but seems to persist. He called on NAHCON and other state pilgrims boards to take note and provide culturally appropriate meal options to ensure pilgrims’ welfare is not compromised during their sacred journey.
Caterers serving pilgrims especially those serving Northern part of the country should be made to understand the food preferences of each to avoid pilgrims running into financial challenges.
