- NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Pakistan Resigns Over Management Controversy
- His tenure was marred by alleged incompetence and poor handling of hajj preparations.
- Delays in pilgrims’ documentation reportedly triggered serious concerns from stakeholders.
The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Sheikh Abdullahi Pakistan, has resigned from his position.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Western Post, the NAHCON chairman tendered his resignation late on Monday night.
Sheikh Pakistan was appointed in 2024, replacing Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi.
His resignation followed weeks of controversies surrounding his leadership of the commission, including allegations of incompetence, maladministration and corrupt practices.
The former NAHCON boss had come under heavy criticism over the handling of preparations for the 2026 hajj exercise, with concerns that many intending pilgrims could be unable to perform the annual pilgrimage.
Critics accused the commission under his leadership of delays and poor coordination in critical processes required for the smooth participation of Nigerian pilgrims.
A senior NAHCON source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Saudi Arabian authorities had earlier fixed Monday, February 9, as the deadline for the capturing of pilgrims’ travel documents.
“But by that date most pilgrims, medical and operational staff, among others, were yet to be captured as Chairman Pakistan continued to delay the finalisation of the process,” the source said.
The development has raised concerns among stakeholders in the hajj industry, with calls for urgent intervention to prevent disruptions to Nigeria’s participation in the pilgrimage.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had yet to announce an official response or name an acting replacement for the outgoing NAHCON chairman.
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