Sokoto Pilgrims Raise Concerns Over Feeding, Accommodation, and Welfare Support in Saudi Arabia
Some pilgrims from Sokoto State currently performing the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have expressed concerns over their welfare, citing challenges related to feeding arrangements, accommodation, and the absence of some support packages reportedly provided to pilgrims from other states.
One of the pilgrims, who spoke to GaskiyaCast on condition of anonymity, alleged that Sokoto pilgrims are being served meals only twice daily; breakfast and dinner without provision for lunch.
The pilgrim further claimed that while other neighboring state governments paid fees for the sacrificial offerings (Hadaya) for all it’s pilgrims, estimated at about N300,000 per pilgrim, no similar support had been announced for pilgrims from Sokoto State.
According to the source, the many state governments also provided Ihram garments valued at about N40,000 to each of their pilgrims, a gesture he said was not extended to Sokoto pilgrims. He added specifically that Kebbi pilgrims received more substantial Sallah packages compared to their counterparts from Sokoto, and other states.
On accommodation, another anonymous source alleged that the distance between the Sokoto pilgrims’ lodging and the Grand Mosque Masjid al-Haram is approximately 7.9 kilometres, making movement to and from the holy site particularly challenging for elderly pilgrims and those with health concerns.
He also stated that some Sokoto pilgrims are still being accommodated in the Tudun Amadu area, while transportation costs by taxi from the accommodation to the Haram reportedly range between N8,000 and N10,000 per trip.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency had not responded to the allegations. The agency has, however, previously stated that adequate arrangements were made to ensure the comfort and welfare of pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.
