By Suwaiba Ahmed
All kitchens contracted to cater for Nigerian pilgrims in Madina are now fully prepared ahead of the 2025 Hajj season. This follows a comprehensive inspection carried out by the Madina Feeding Committee to assess their readiness.
Led by Alhaji Abdullahi Kabir, the head of the committee, the team visited seven kitchens to evaluate key aspects such as hygiene, food quality, and facility standards. The inspection also reviewed the condition of kitchen equipment and the competence of the workforce to ensure effective meal delivery throughout the pilgrimage period.
Prior to the inspection, the Madina Coordinator, Alhaji Abdulkadir Oloyi, held a meeting with the caterers where he addressed concerns about food packaging. He frowned upon the use of sub-standard plastic containers, describing them as unacceptable. A consensus was reached on a uniform and approved packaging standard to be adopted by all caterers.
Alhaji Oloyi further emphasized the need for strict adherence to the approved menu provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and timely delivery of meals to pilgrims at their accommodations. He warned that any breach of these directives would attract appropriate sanctions.
In a related development, the accommodation committee is working round the clock to ensure all housing arrangements are in place before the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims, expected on Friday, May 9, 2025.