A wave of concern has erupted among 2025 Hajj pilgrims following the publication of varying charges for the mandatory sacrificial animal (Hadaya) across different states and agencies in Nigeria.
According to a post shared by the Independent Hajj Reporters of Nigeria, Hadaya payments ranged from ₦165,000 in Kaduna, N180,000 for Bauchi pilgrims, N230,000 for Zamfara pilgrims, N200,000 in Kano, N185,000 in Sokoto, while Jaiz Banks set ₦312,000 for the sacrificial animal projects.
However, in Gombe State, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alh Sa’ad directed all interested pilgrims to pay their Hadaya fee through Jaiz Bank as approved by NAHCON.
These discrepancies has sparked questions over transparency and uniformity, especially when all pilgrims are performing Hajj in the same country (Saudi Arabia)
Hajj Reporters learned that NAHCON had contracted Jaiz Bank as a sole collector of Hadaya fee from State Muslim Welfare Boards pilgrims as a way of harmonizing the Hadaya projects.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appointed the Islamic Development Bank IDB as a sole financial institution authorised to provide Adahi services on behalf of foreign pilgrims during Hajj. Jaiz Bank, in turn, partners Islamic Development Bank to carry out the rites
Pilgrims and observers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Agbaje Abdulramon queried the logic behind the price discrepancies, saying, “Why the differences in rate? If it’s the same Hadaya, there should be one trusted system.” Others like Mahmud Goma Dahiru Sabonwuse described the prices as “exorbitant,” urging authorities to make the process more affordable.
Pilgrims from other states also reported different rates, adding to the confusion. The controversy comes at a time when many Nigerian pilgrims are grappling with high Hajj expenses amid ongoing economic hardship.
Mustapha Anas said, “NAHCON should introduce a single and uniform rate for Hadaya, just like the Hajj fare for all Nigerian pilgrims”
Yusuf Ahmed said, “How are we sure that those states collecting less than N300,000 will actually carry out the rites on behalf of pilgrims? I am saying this from experience because when I went to Hajj in 2023, the average cost of coupons for Adahi is SR720, which is equivalent to about N302, 000. So, where will they get Ram that is less than SR500 in Saudi Arabia? I have my reservations, He said
Calls are now mounting for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to create a single channel of executing Adahi projects to block the possibility of turning the money into a slush funds.
