- Yusuf’s appointment will take effect upon Senate approval, in accordance with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act
- NAHCON oversees the coordination and regulation of Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria
- In a separate statement issued in Abuja, Usman explained that his resignation was based on personal reasons
President Bola Tinubu has put forward Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the he nomination was made public on Wednesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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According to the statement, the President has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking swift confirmation of Yusuf to take over from Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after serving for about 14 months.
Yusuf’s appointment will take effect upon Senate approval, in accordance with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.
A seasoned diplomat, Yusuf previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.
NAHCON oversees the coordination and regulation of Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria. Its responsibilities include licensing tour operators and ensuring the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
In a separate statement issued in Abuja, Usman explained that his resignation was based on personal reasons and not due to any disagreement with the commission or the Federal Government.
He said the decision followed consultations with his family and expressed appreciation to the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the NAHCON board, management, and other stakeholders for their support during his tenure.
Usman’s exit came weeks after 11 members of the NAHCON board reportedly petitioned the President on January 19, 2026, urging his removal.
The petition alleged financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the approval of contracts and expenditures beyond approved budgetary limits.
The board members also claimed that some Hajj-related contracts were awarded in breach of the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, potentially exposing the commission to legal and financial risks.
However, Usman maintained that he committed no wrongdoing and reiterated that his decision to resign was entirely personal.
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