President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The nomination was made public in a statement released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Tinubu has forwarded a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the Senate to urgently confirm Yusuf’s appointment. If confirmed, Yusuf will replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after spending about 14 months in office.
The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.
Ambassador Yusuf is a career diplomat and previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.
NAHCON is the federal agency responsible for coordinating and regulating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including licensing tour operators and ensuring the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Usman, in a statement issued in Abuja, said his resignation was based on personal reasons and not due to any dissatisfaction with the commission or the government. He said the decision was made after consultation with his family and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, NAHCON board members, management staff, and other stakeholders.
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However, his resignation came shortly after a petition was reportedly submitted to Tinubu by 11 NAHCON board members on January 19, 2026. The petition called for his removal over allegations of financial misconduct, lack of transparency, and approving contracts beyond the limits of the board and budget provisions.
The board also accused him of violating the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, which they said could expose the commission to legal and reputational damage.
Usman denied the allegations, insisting that his resignation was strictly personal.
