Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Government, Lands, Ombudsman, and Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has called for stricter oversight and enhanced coordination to guarantee Gambian pilgrims a safe, dignified, and well-organized Hajj in 2026. This followed an inspection mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose report was presented by Hon. Sulayman Jammeh, Chairperson of the Committee.
Hon. Jammeh emphasized the need for the National Hajj Commission to strengthen collaboration with hotel management and the Gambian Consulate in Jeddah to ensure seamless service delivery throughout the pilgrimage.
“The National Hajj Commission is urged to strengthen coordination with both the hotel management teams and the Gambian Consulate in Jeddah to ensure smooth delivery of services during Hajj,” He Said.
The committee further recommended that future inspection teams formally include consular representatives, citing their critical role in managing on-the-ground challenges.
The committee’s report underscored the importance of continuous monitoring of food quality, transport logistics, and accommodation to promptly address emerging concerns. It also urged the establishment of a structured feedback mechanism that would allow pilgrims to voice their grievances, thereby improving accountability and service delivery. “A structured feedback mechanism should be established to allow pilgrims to report their concerns, thereby enhancing service delivery and accountability,” He Said.
To achieve a successful Hajj, the committee called for stronger collaboration between the Hajj Commission and private operators. It also advised that the Ministry of Regional Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs, through the Commission, ensure that operators make timely payments to secure accommodations closer to the Jamarat in Mina.
“The National Hajj Commission should organize capacity-building training and orientation for Hajj operators and their guides on an annual basis for them to understand the emerging set of rules laid by the Saudi Government,” he said.
The committee further recommended an increase in government subvention to the Commission, stressing that effective operations require adequate resources, given the annual significance of Hajj for Gambians. The committee also highlighted the need for early deployment of Gambian cooks to Saudi Arabia to collaborate with catering service providers in preparing culturally familiar meals for pilgrims.
“An earnest preparation should be done for would-be Gambian cooks to arrive on time to closely collaborate with the Saudi Catering Services Providers in coordinating Gambian diet preparations,” He Said
Hon. Jammeh noted that the delegation was satisfied with the overall level of preparedness for the 2025 Hajj, adding that the hotels inspected in Medina and Makkah met the required standards of hygiene, comfort, and accessibility.
“The National Assembly delegation was satisfied with the overall level of preparedness for the 2025 Hajj season. The hotels inspected in both Medina and Makkah met the required standards for hygiene, comfort, and accessibility,” he said.
The visit, he said, reaffirmed the value of parliamentary oversight in safeguarding the welfare of Gambian pilgrims and underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration among the Hajj Commission, consular staff, and service providers.
“With the implementation of the following recommendations, it is expected that Gambian pilgrims will have a safe, dignified, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
