By Obinna Uballa
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), following the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who said Tinubu had formally written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expedited confirmation of Yusuf.
Yusuf, a career diplomat, served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. He is expected to take over the commission, which regulates and coordinates Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including licensing tour operators and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims.
The New Diplomat had reported that Usman resigned after 14 months in office, citing personal reasons. In a statement, he thanked the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, NAHCON board members, and staff for their support, emphasizing that his decision was not due to dissatisfaction with the commission.
But his resignation follows a petition by 11 NAHCON board members submitted on January 19, 2026, alleging financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and improper approval of contracts beyond board oversight and budget limits. The board also accused Usman of awarding Hajj-related contracts in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, though he denied any wrongdoing.
