By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to introduce a uniform Hadaya payment structure for Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj, warning that disparities in charges could undermine transparency and accountability in the exercise.

IHR, a faith-based civil society organisation monitoring Hajj operations, said NAHCON, as the apex regulatory body for Hajj affairs in Nigeria, should develop clear guidelines governing both the amount payable and the conduct of the ritual sacrifice.

The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, on Monday.

According to IHR, pilgrims from different states who pay similar Hajj fares have, during previous Hajj operations, sometimes been charged different amounts for Hadaya, particularly among states in the northern part of the country.

“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 organisation said.

IHR expressed concern that variations in charges, coupled with what it described as weak tracking mechanisms, could raise questions about transparency and accountability in the management of the religious obligation.

While acknowledging that Hadaya during the Mashair is conducted through different intermediaries engaged by states, the organisation proposed the establishment of a central coordinating mechanism involving NAHCON and State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

It said such a framework would enable the authorities to establish a harmonised pricing structure, strengthen monitoring and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive value for payments made.

Hadaya is the ritual animal sacrifice performed by pilgrims during Hajj. IHR stressed that its administration requires strict transparency and effective oversight to protect pilgrims from possible fraud and ensure compliance with Islamic requirements.

The organisation noted that the sacrifice is obligatory for pilgrims performing Hajj under the Tamattu’ category, which it said accounts for more than 98 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims.

IHR further observed that the 2027 Hajj cost template does not include Hadaya payment, leaving individual State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to determine the amount payable by their pilgrims.

It warned that without a coordinated framework, the arrangement could again result in disparities in charges among pilgrims performing the same religious obligation.

The organisation therefore urged NAHCON to act before the commencement of the 2027 Hajj by issuing comprehensive guidelines and establishing a single, transparent framework for Hadaya charges and implementation.

Beyond harmonising fees, IHR called for mechanisms that would enable pilgrims to verify that sacrifices paid for were actually carried out in accordance with Sharia requirements, including the prescribed timing, location and condition of the sacrificial animal.

It maintained that greater transparency would not only protect pilgrims from financial exploitation but also give them confidence that one of the key religious obligations associated with their Hajj had been properly fulfilled.

IHR said a uniform and accountable Hadaya system would further strengthen pilgrims’ confidence in Nigeria’s Hajj administration and promote fairness across states.