LAGOS: The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman, has resigned from his position amid ongoing controversies and internal tensions within the commission.
The resignation was confirmed late Monday by his media assistant, Ahmed Muazu, although no official reason was immediately provided.
Usman was appointed NAHCON chairman by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, succeeding Jalal Arabi, who was removed from office while under investigation over alleged mismanagement of funds linked to the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Usman subsequently supervised Nigeria’s 2025 pilgrimage operations, marking his first Hajj exercise at the helm of the commission.
His tenure, however, was marked by persistent disputes within NAHCON, including allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative shortcomings during the 2025 Hajj operations.
The situation triggered internal disagreements that drew public scrutiny.
In January 2026, the crisis escalated when some commissioners reportedly submitted a petition to President Tinubu expressing a vote of no confidence in Usman.
The petition cited leadership concerns and administrative issues, further deepening divisions within the commission.
Vice President Kashim Shettima later intervened by convening a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at resolving the crisis and restoring stability to the commission.
Usman’s resignation now raises fresh questions about the future leadership of NAHCON and preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
