A faith‑based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON to set up a special committee to oversee Hadaya (animal sacrifice) payments for Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group said the move would prevent the irregularities reported during the 2025 pilgrimage.
It noted that Hadaya, the obligatory animal sacrifice, remains a contentious issue due to poor transparency and weak accountability.
According to IHR, the current arrangement that allows Jaiz Bank to process Hadaya payments through an Islamic Development Bank‑approved platform has not resolved the challenges.
It explained that many pilgrims still pay through state pilgrims’ welfare boards, creating gaps in tracking and delivery.
While some states are transparent, the group alleged, others divert funds meant for Hadaya, denying pilgrims a core religious rite.
IHR also raised concerns over uneven charges for Hadaya across states despite uniform Hajj fares tied to flight zones.
It observed that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has integrated Hadaya into the central Hajj payment system, but Nigeria has yet to fully comply.
That gap, the group said, leaves states managing this year’s Hadaya with little standardisation.
To close the loophole, IHR urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to establish a dedicated committee to regulate the entire process.
The group said the panel should monitor payments, enforce uniform pricing, and ensure timely delivery of the sacrifice for every pilgrim.
It added that the step aligns with NAHCON’s push to strengthen oversight and accountability in the Hajj industry.
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