The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified efforts to achieve seamless success of the 2025 hajj by conducting a critical catering simulation exercise at the Rawaf Mina office in Makkah.

The exercise was conducted to evaluate the quality, timeliness and standard of catering services arranged for the Nigerian pilgrims under the Private Tour Operator quota.

A statement by head, Public Affairs, NAHCON-Makkah Al-Mukarramah City Muhammad Ahmad Musa, said the chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, represented by the commission’s Makkah deputy coordinator, Mr. Alidu Shutti, led the delegation during the exercise. Rawaf Mina, a Saudi-based company is responsible for provision of services to Nigerian Private Tour Operators’ pilgrims at the sacred Masha’er sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during the days of Hajj rites.

Mr. Shutti emphasized that the quality and quantity of meals presented during the meal-inspection session, in terms of taste, portion, and nutritional value must precisely match what will be served to the Pilgrims during the Hajj. 

In his words, “Timely delivery and consistency in quality, quantity are non-negotiable,” he stated, noting that the Commission’s goal is to elevate the 2025 Hajj experience to one of the best in recent time.

In response, Rawaf Mina CEO, Mr. Zuhaer A. Sadayu, assured NAHCON officials that a dedicated food service consultant has been appointed to oversee all stages of meal preparation and delivery. He pledged that feedback from the inspection would be meticulously addressed and incorporated into final service provision plans in order to ensure Pilgrims receive full value for their money.

Also present at the event was NAHCON’s Saudi Liaison Officer, Ustaz Abubakar Lamin, who expressed gratitude to the Rawaf Mina team for facilitating the meals-tasting session and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing pilgrims’ welfare across all aspects of the hajj exercise.