A Nigerian pilgrim, Nur Umar Abdulrahman, has identified the strategic location of pilgrims’ accommodation as a practical solution to the persistent problem of Nigerian pilgrims loitering on the streets of Makkah, a practice that has repeatedly attracted warnings from Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
Mr Abdulrahman, who recently performed the Hajj, made the observation in a commentary titled “The Nasarawa Example: A Practical Solution to Pilgrims Loitering in Makkah,” where he argued that accommodation located closer to the Holy Mosque significantly reduces the tendency of pilgrims to remain outdoors between prayer periods.
According to him, he was prompted to reflect on the issue after encountering advisories cautioning Nigerian pilgrims against loitering on the streets of Makkah.
“I wondered why and how one would prefer lying under the hot sun instead of returning to the comfort of his bed and fully air-conditioned room to rest,” he stated.
He noted that he observed pilgrims from several states sitting on bare roads and sidewalks around the Haram, often consuming charity meals, known as sabil, and disposing of food containers in public spaces.
Describing the situation as unsightly, Abdulrahman said the pilgrims may not necessarily be acting out of choice but could be victims of circumstances created by the location of their accommodations.
Drawing from his experience in Nasarawa State’s pilgrims’ accommodation, Al-Farabi Hotel, he said the facility’s proximity to Masjid al-Haram appeared to have a positive effect on pilgrims’ movement and welfare.
According to him, the accommodation is among the closest occupied by Nigerian pilgrims, requiring only a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Haram.
“This proximity enabled many pilgrims to return to their rooms between prayers for rest before heading back to the mosque. Consequently, fewer Nasarawa pilgrims spent extended periods on the streets or public walkways around the Haram,” he said.
He argued that pilgrims lodged farther from the mosque often face lengthy walks of up to an hour or more, making it impractical to return to their hotels between prayer times.
“Only pilgrims who have to walk one hour or one and a half hours to and from the Haram would contemplate waiting under the hot sun to conserve energy rather than returning to their accommodation,” he observed.
Mr Abdulrahman urged NAHCON to adopt stricter policies regarding accommodation selection, insisting that hotels located within shorter distances of the Haram would not only improve pilgrims’ comfort but also reduce violations of Saudi regulations on loitering.
He further warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses serious health risks to pilgrims and could negatively affect Nigeria’s image during the Hajj exercise.
On the issue of charity meal distribution, he suggested that NAHCON engage organisations and individuals distributing sabil to pilgrims and explore ways of delivering such meals directly to accommodation facilities.
He said such an arrangement would encourage pilgrims to return to their hotels after collecting meals, rather than remaining outdoors for long periods.
Beyond accommodation concerns, Mr Abdulrahman commended aspects of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’s operations, particularly its handling of the Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, for pilgrims.
According to him, information gathered from pilgrims indicated that only $100 was converted into Saudi Riyals at the Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate and disbursed before departure, while the balance was handed over to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
He said the arrangement appeared to reduce the amount of cash carried during travel between Makkah and Madinah and may have helped minimize the risk of theft, fraud and financial losses.
The observer also praised the level of awareness displayed by pilgrims regarding financial security, attributing it to effective pre-departure orientation and sensitisation programmes conducted by the board.
He recalled informal interactions with some pilgrims, including those with limited formal education, noting that they exercised caution when approached about their travel allowances.
According to him, attempts to persuade some of them to disclose details of their BTA were unsuccessful, an indication that the orientation programmes had effectively prepared them against potential exploitation.
Mr Abdulrahman also commended the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Idris Almakura, for his leadership style and visible presence during critical operational activities.
He described Almakura as approachable, respectful and accessible to both pilgrims and staff, adding that many workers spoke positively about his management approach.
According to him, the cordial relationship between the board’s leadership and staff appeared to have fostered a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to ensuring a successful Hajj operation.
He concluded that the Nasarawa experience highlights the importance of strategic accommodation planning, effective pilgrim orientation, sound financial management and visible leadership in improving pilgrim welfare and operational efficiency during Hajj.
Mr Abdulrahman urged Hajj administrators to consider these factors when evaluating and planning future pilgrimage operations to enhance the overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
