NAHCON Chairman Usman resigns amid corruption allegations
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned. Usman said his resignation was for personal reasons, though
- Ex-CEO: I left for personal reasons
- Saudi Arabia reopens data-capturing portal for Nigerian pilgrims
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned.
Usman said his resignation was for personal reasons, though some sources said there were corruption allegations against him, which culminated in his resignation.
The resignation, which took effect from February 9, was formally communicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2006.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Usman explained that the decision followed deep personal reflection, prayer, and consultations with his family.
He emphasised that his resignation was not connected to dissatisfaction with the commission, government, or its operations.
The outgoing NAHCON chairman expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the commission, describing the appointment as a privilege and honour to serve the nation and the Muslim Ummah.
Usman also acknowledged the support and guidance of Vice President Kashim Shettima throughout his tenure.
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The ex-chairman also extended appreciation to members of the NAHCON Board, the management, and the workers for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to ensuring efficient Hajj operations in Nigeria.
He also applauded the collaboration of state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, tour operators, aviation service providers, and Saudi Arabian authorities for their contributions towards strengthening Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
Reaffirming his reasons for stepping aside, Usman maintained that his resignation was purely personal and not influenced by institutional or governmental challenges.
As he exited office, the former chairman offered prayers for the continued success of NAHCON, seeking divine guidance for the commission’s leadership and for intending pilgrims to attain an accepted Hajj in future exercises.
Usman’s resignation comes as preparations for the 2026 Hajj season continue nationwide.
The Federal Government is expected to announce an interim or substantive leadership for the commission in due course.
Also, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reopened the portal for pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping of pilgrims for Nigeria.
This extension is coming barely 48 hours after the worldwide closure of the Nusuk Masar data-capturing platform.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tugga, on the instruction of the Vice President Kashim Shettima, had reached out to Saudi authorities to grant a special extension to Nigeria to ensure that the pilgrims’ data capturing was completed.
The Saudi authorities, it was learnt, have graciously accepted the request for the extension.
However, it is expected that after the expiration of this extension, the Saudi authorities will not accept any further requests for an extension, emphasising speedy completion of the process.
The commission urged hajj managers to work round the clock to ensure that the process was completed within the shortest possible time.
The content of the circular urged Hajj agencies “…to complete and finalise all required pilgrims data as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues”.
