2026 Hajj: IHR Seeks Stronger Oversight of Hady Operations

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on authorities to establish a special committee to oversee the payment and implementation of Hadaya (animal sacrifice) for Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The civil society organisation said the recommendation became necessary following alleged irregularities that marred the 2025 pilgrimage, warning that failure to address the issues could undermine confidence in the system.

In a statement released on April 18, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group expressed concern over what it described as persistent lapses in transparency surrounding the management of Hadaya. “The conduct of Hadaya has remained a contentious issue, often plagued by lack of transparency and accountability,” the statement read.

IHR acknowledged the role of Jaiz Bank in facilitating payments through an Islamic Development Bank-approved platform but noted that the arrangement has not completely resolved the challenges. It observed that a significant number of pilgrims still opt to channel their payments through state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

The organisation further alleged that while some states have maintained credible processes, others have been implicated in the diversion of funds meant for Hady. It warned that such practices deprive pilgrims of fulfilling a critical religious obligation. “Some states maintain transparency, others divert funds meant for Hady,” the group alleged.

It also decried disparities in the cost of Hadaya across different states, stressing that the lack of uniform pricing contradicts the standardised Hajj fare structure based on flight zones.

According to IHR, although the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has incorporated Hadaya into its central payment system, Nigeria has yet to fully align with the framework, leaving room for inconsistent handling at the state level.

The group, therefore, urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to set up a dedicated oversight committee, insisting that such a measure would strengthen accountability and ensure a more transparent and efficient Hajj process for Nigerian pilgrims.