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As Stakeholders Decry Leadership Turmoil, Seek Overhaul
- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Nigerian career diplomat, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, as the new chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
This is coming days after the resignation of Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from his position amid internal crisis within the commission.
NPO Reported that Usman had on Tuesday tendered his resignation letter to Tinubu.
His resignation came amid petition for his removal by NAHCON board who passed a vote of no confidence against him in a letter also forwarded to the President.
In the wake of his resignation, Tinubu appointed Yusuf to take charge of the commission’s affairs.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
However, Yusuf’, appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.
Onanuga disclosed that Tinubu had since written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman.
Meanwhile, some stakeholders in the Hajj industry have raised concern over frequent leadership changes at NAHCON, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission.
They spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the resignation of Usman.
Stakeholders, however, attributed the recurring leadership changes to persistent discord within and outside the Hajj industry.
According to reports, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan served as NAHCON Chairman from December 2019 to October 2023, following his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His tenure saw the commission navigate COVID-19 restrictions, launch the Hajj Savings Scheme and establish the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
Hassan was replaced by Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 17, 2023 for a four-year term.
Arabi was later removed while under investigation over alleged misappropriation of funds released for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Following the allegations, Tinubu appointed Usman to head the commission.
Usman then served between October 2024 and February 9 2026, amid internal disputes and allegations concerning financial management during the 2025 Hajj.
The controversies generated tension within the commission and attracted public scrutiny.
On his part, Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a Hajj industry expert, said the development reflected deeper discord within the sector.
He said: “Yes, Prof. Abdullahi Usman has resigned. Whether voluntary or forced is immaterial.
“What remains indisputable is that anyone overseeing the Hajj industry in Nigeria faces a campaign of calumny from within and outside the sector.
“And certainly, this calls for concern. Within two years, NAHCON has changed leadership three times. Shall we continue this way?”
He dismissed claims that Usman lacked administrative and managerial competence.
He said: “To argue that modern Hajj operations require less Arabic fluency is baseless.
“Were Abdullahi Mukhtar, Zikrullah Hassan and Jalal Arabi preachers fluent in Arabic? Were they also deficient in administrative skills?”
He noted that previous chairmen also faced allegations of abuse of office, protocol breaches and political interference.
“So yes, experience and managerial skills are necessary, but in Nigeria they may prove insignificant to Hajj success,” he said.
Another expert, Abdullahi Mohammad, said NAHCON required a “no-nonsense” intervention to survive its present challenges.
He urged the government to appoint a sole administrator, preferably an experienced technocrat, with full authority to reform the commission.
“The administrator must insulate the Hajj process from material interests and political interference.
“Only a radical administrative reset can restore diligence, transparency and service to pilgrims,” he said.
Muhammed Ibrahim, Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described the chairman’s exit as unfortunate but expected.
“Most pre-Hajj activities, including registration and airline contracts, have been completed.
“Given the discord, it may be best to allow the chairman step down to avoid conflicts affecting pilgrims,” he said.
He advised that an experienced insider should oversee ongoing operations to ensure continuity.
“After the Hajj, government can appoint a chairman with integrity and expertise to align operations with Saudi Arabia’s vision,” he added.
Alhaji Abdullateef Yusuf, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, cited challenges over allocation of additional slots.
“Many members paid millions for hotels and tickets in Saudi Arabia, amounting to billions of naira.
“Slots promised were later withdrawn, and there is still no clarity. Our operators are in serious limbo,” he said.
He urged government to appoint a calm, reputable and experienced individual.
“We need someone with integrity who fears Allah, not someone driven by politics or personal gain,” he said.