Nigeria’s Hajj industry is once again under intense scrutiny following the resignation of Prof. Abdullahi Usman as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with stakeholders calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission.
Usman’s resignation, which takes effect Monday, was announced on Wednesday in Abuja. He cited personal reasons for stepping down after about 14 months in office.
However, industry experts argue that his exit reflects deeper structural and political tensions that have continued to destabilize the commission.
Recurring Leadership Changes Raise Concern
Within the last two years, NAHCON has witnessed three leadership changes, a trend stakeholders describe as troubling for the stability of Hajj operations.
Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan served as NAHCON Chairman from December 2019 to October 2023 following his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During his tenure, the commission navigated the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, introduced the Hajj Savings Scheme, and established 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 amid an investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds released for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Following those allegations, Tinubu appointed Usman in October 2024. His tenure, however, was marked by internal disputes and allegations concerning financial management during the 2025 Hajj, generating public scrutiny and tension within the commission.
“Campaign of Calumny” — Experts React
Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a Hajj industry expert, said the frequent leadership changes highlight entrenched discord within and outside the sector.
“Yes, Prof. Abdullahi Usman has resigned. Whether voluntary or forced is immaterial,” he said.
“What remains indisputable is that anyone overseeing the Hajj industry in Nigeria faces a campaign of calumny from within and outside the sector. Within two years, NAHCON has changed leadership three times. Shall we continue this way?”
He dismissed claims that Usman lacked administrative competence, arguing that fluency in Arabic or clerical background had never been a defining criterion for success in managing Hajj operations.
“To argue that modern Hajj operations require less Arabic fluency is baseless. Were previous chairmen deficient in administrative skills?” he queried.
He added that past chairmen also faced allegations ranging from abuse of office to political interference, suggesting systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings.
Call for Sole Administrator
Another expert, Abdullahi Mohammad, advocated for a radical administrative intervention.
According to him, NAHCON requires a “no-nonsense” reform strategy, potentially through the appointment of a sole administrator with full authority to restructure 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.
Concerns Over 2026 Hajj Operations
Muhammed Ibrahim, Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described Usman’s exit as unfortunate but not unexpected, noting that most pre-Hajj activities, including registration and airline contracts, had already been completed.
“Given the discord, it may be best to allow the chairman step down to avoid conflicts affecting pilgrims,” he said.
He recommended that an experienced insider oversee ongoing operations to ensure continuity until after the Hajj, when a substantive appointment can be made.
Operators Lament Slot Allocation Issues
Alhaji Abdullateef Yusuf, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, pointed to challenges surrounding the allocation of additional Hajj 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 the government to appoint a calm, reputable and experienced individual with integrity, warning against politically motivated appointments.
Tinubu Nominates New Chairman
In response to the resignation, President Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.
The nomination, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act 2006, was conveyed in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The President confirmed that he had written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio seeking expeditious confirmation of the nominee.
Ambassador Yusuf is a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.
As stakeholders await Senate action, many insist that beyond leadership changes, what NAHCON urgently needs is structural reform to restore credibility, transparency and stability to Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
