BY AHMED AKANBI
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to adopt a uniform template for payment and conduct of Hadaya for the 2027 Hajj.
Hadaya is the ritual animal sacrifice performed by pilgrims, and IHR insisted the process requires strict transparency to protect pilgrims from fraud and ensure compliance with Islamic requirements.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, IHR said the call followed disparities in Hadaya fees paid by pilgrims from different states in previous operations.
The faith-based civil society organisation said the move would ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the ritual sacrifice.
It noted that pilgrims from different states, particularly in the North, often pay similar Hajj fares but different amounts for Hadaya.
The group urged NAHCON as the apex Hajj regulatory body to create a single guideline and structure for Hadaya charges and conduct during Hajj.
According to IHR, varying charges and weak tracking mechanisms have raised concerns about transparency 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,” it said.
IHR acknowledged that Hadaya during Mashair is organised through different intermediaries for states, but called for a central coordinating committee involving NAHCON and state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
Such a mechanism, it said, would develop a uniform pricing structure for Nigerian pilgrims while improving monitoring of the sacrifice.
The organisation noted that sacrifice is obligatory for pilgrims performing Hajj under Tamattu’, adding that over 98 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims fall under that category.
It observed that the 2027 Hajj cost template does not include Hadaya payment, leaving state boards to fix charges, a situation that could cause disparities.