The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to establish a uniform template for the payment and conduct of Hadaya during the 2027 Hajj.
IHR also urged the commission to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of the ritual sacrifice, particularly by harmonising the fees paid by Nigerian pilgrims across states.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation said the call became necessary following differences in Hadaya fees paid by pilgrims from different states during previous Hajj operations.
It noted that pilgrims from different states, particularly in the northern region, could pay similar Hajj fares but were sometimes required to pay different amounts for Hadaya.
It urges NAHCON as the apex hajj regulatory body to creates a guidelines and single structure for the Hadaya charges and conduct during hajj
The group said varying charges and weak tracking mechanisms had raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the process.
“Pilgrims from the northern zone, for example, paid equal amounts of Hajj fare and as such should be made to pay the same amount of Hadaya fee,” the statement said.
IHR acknowledged that the conduct of Hadaya during the Mashair is organised through different intermediaries for states, but called for a central coordinating committee involving NAHCON and the state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
According to the organisation, such a mechanism would help develop a uniform pricing structure for Nigerian pilgrims while improving monitoring of the sacrifice.
Hadaya refers to the ritual animal sacrifice performed by pilgrims during Hajj. IHR said the process requires strict transparency to protect pilgrims from possible fraud and ensure that the sacrifice is conducted in accordance with Islamic requirements.
The organisation noted that the sacrifice is obligatory for pilgrims performing Hajj under the Tamattu’ category, adding that over 98 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims fall under the classification.
IHR further observed that the 2027 Hajj cost template does not include payment for Hadaya, leaving individual state pilgrims’ welfare boards to determine the amount payable by their pilgrims.
It said this arrangement could result in disparities in charges and called for clearer coordination before the commencement of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The group also stressed the need to ensure that pilgrims verify that their sacrifices have actually been carried out in accordance with Sharia requirements, including the appropriate timing, location and condition of the animal.
It said transparency in the process would not only protect pilgrims financially but also give them confidence that their religious obligations had been properly fulfilled.
