By Obinna Uballa
Members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, calling for the immediate removal of the commission’s chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, over allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, incompetence and abuse of office.
The petition, dated January 19, 2026, is titled “Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.” It was signed by all serving commissioners of the commission, cutting across operational departments, geopolitical zones and major Islamic bodies.
According to the board members, the decision followed months of internal disquiet, sustained observations and repeated attempts at corrective engagement, which they said failed to address what they described as persistent leadership failures that had eroded the commission’s credibility, stability and operational effectiveness.
The commissioners accused Usman, popularly known as “Pakistan,” of financial indiscipline and disregard for established public financial regulations. They alleged that the chairman repeatedly spent commission funds without board approval and awarded contracts far in excess of approved budgetary limits.
“These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance,” the petition stated, adding that the chairman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The board further alleged that several hajj-related contracts were awarded in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act and due process requirements.
“For example, contracts were signed under the chairman’s leadership without the mandatory ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement,” the commissioners said.
They warned that the alleged irregularities had exposed NAHCON to serious legal, financial and reputational risks, while also creating diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“These irregularities have created avoidable tension between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly in matters of compliance, credibility and operational coordination,” the petition said, linking the situation to the initial reduction of Nigeria’s pilgrim quota from 95,000 in 2025 to 50,000 for the 2026 Hajj.
Beyond financial allegations, the board criticised Usman’s leadership style, citing poor coordination, limited consultation, inadequate exposure and persistent disregard for due process.
After what they described as a careful and unanimous evaluation, the commissioners resolved that the chairman should be removed without delay.
“We hereby unanimously resolve that the chairman should not remain in office for even one additional day,” the petition said.
“Allowing him to continue in office gravely jeopardises the preparation, coordination and successful conduct of the upcoming Hajj operations and further exposes Nigeria to operational and diplomatic risks.”
The petition was signed by Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS); Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing; Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance; Prof. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Commissioner representing the North Central; Alhaji Abba Jato Kala, Commissioner representing the North East; and Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Commissioner representing the North West.
Other signatories include Dr. Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo, Commissioner representing the South West; Hajia Aishat Obi Ahmed, Commissioner representing the South East; Hajia Zainab Musa, Commissioner representing the South South; Prof. Musa Inuwa Fodio, Commissioner representing Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI); and Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, Commissioner representing the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
The petition adds to a growing list of allegations against the NAHCON chairman. In October 2025, it was reported that there was internal discontent within the commission over alleged financial irregularities, political interference and the concentration of decision-making authority in the hands of a few close associates.
According to multiple sources, Usman allegedly sidelined executive commissioners while relying heavily on his younger brother, Mr. Sirajo Salisu Usman, and one Mr. Abdumaik Diigi in key administrative and operational decisions without full board consultation.
Meanwhile, although Usman could not be reached for his response, in an earlier interview, he dismissed complaints within the commission as being driven by bitterness, suggesting that some officials were unhappy over travel arrangements or perceived personal benefits.
In a related development, the EFCC is reportedly investigating the chairman over alleged extra-budgetary expenditures, unauthorised disbursements and breaches of executive procedures. In August, the anti-graft agency detained Sirajo Usman in Abuja over alleged fraud involving billions of naira.
