The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has raised alarm over the persistent crisis surrounding Hadaya (animal sacrifice), describing it as a recurring challenge that has resisted every attempt at resolution.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Pakistan, in an interview with freedom Radio in Makkah, lamented that the Hadaya issue has become “a hydra-headed monster” that continues to defraud Nigerian pilgrims and undermine the sanctity of the rite.
According to him, some individuals exploit pilgrims by collecting money under the pretext of performing the Hadaya on their behalf but fail to execute the sacrifice properly—or at all. He said it was “practically impossible” to perform the rite with the meagre sums often paid, such as 200 or 300 Saudi Riyals.
“It’s unfortunate that some people feed fat on this sacred obligation. Many pilgrims are unknowingly enabling fraud by opting for cheaper services offered by unverified agents,” he said.
To curb the problem, Professor Pakistan disclosed that NAHCON would engage in wide consultations with stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution. One of the proposals under consideration is the inclusion of Hadaya charges in Hajj fares, with payments routed through accredited financial institutions to guarantee proper execution.
He stressed the need for intensified education and public enlightenment on both the Hadaya obligation and the Hajj Savings Scheme, which he described as essential to protecting pilgrims from exploitation.
“The very pilgrims we try to protect are the ones making themselves vulnerable. There must be a deliberate effort to enlighten them and strengthen institutional controls,” he added.
The Hadaya crisis has persisted for years, drawing criticism from Islamic scholars and stakeholders who call for reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and religious compliance.
