The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from office, a development that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s Hajj industry and raised expectations of sweeping reforms within the commission.
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Although NAHCON’s media department has yet to issue an official statement, multiple sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the embattled chairman stepped down following mounting pressure over his leadership and the management of the commission’s affairs.
Stakeholders within the Hajj sector have reportedly described the resignation as a welcome development, expressing hope that it would pave the way for reforms capable of restoring confidence in the commission and improving the coordination of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
It was gathered that the resignation followed a petition allegedly filed by members of the NAHCON board and forwarded to the Presidency. The petition reportedly raised concerns about Professor Usman’s leadership style, including allegations of high-handedness and disregard for due process in the administration of the commission.
A staff member of the commission also confirmed that the resignation came after the board submitted a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking the chairman’s removal over alleged abuses and misconduct.
“Yes, he was forced to resign by the presidency following the petition against him. The commission has faced several controversies since his appointment. The presidency will announce a replacement soon,” the source said.
According to reports, the chairman’s last official engagement was last week when he received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
The petition, said to have been signed by all 11 board members and dated January 19, 2026, was titled “Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.”
The document stated that the board’s decision followed prolonged internal observations and repeated efforts at corrective engagement, adding that persistent leadership failures had undermined the credibility, stability, and operational effectiveness of the commission.
The petition further alleged financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and repeated expenditure of funds and award of contracts without board approval, in excess of budgetary limits.
“These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance and are compounded by the fact that the chairman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” the petition stated.
It also accused the former chairman of awarding Hajj-related contracts in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement Act and due process, thereby exposing the commission to legal, financial, and reputational risks.
With Professor Usman’s exit, industry observers believe the development could trigger restructuring within NAHCON and set the stage for reforms aimed at ensuring a smoother and more efficient Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
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