Tinubu nominates Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf to lead NAHCON
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), pending confirmation by the Senate.
The nomination was transmitted to the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Citing the relevant provisions of the NAHCON Act, the President urged lawmakers to expedite the screening and confirmation process to allow the nominee assume office without delay.
READ ALSO: Prof. Usman: My NAHCON exit was personal
The move comes on the heels of the resignation of the immediate past chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier in the week after about 14 months at the helm of the commission. Although the Presidency has not provided detailed reasons for his exit, the swift nomination signals the government’s determination to avoid any leadership gap, especially as preparations for future pilgrimage operations intensify.
Ambassador Yusuf is a career diplomat with extensive experience spanning several decades in Nigeria’s foreign service and public administration. He most recently served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye between 2021 and 2024, where he was involved in high-level diplomatic engagements and initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
Observers say his background in diplomacy and international coordination could prove vital for NAHCON, given the commission’s constant interface with Saudi authorities and a wide network of service providers responsible for transportation, accommodation and welfare of pilgrims.
READ ALSO: NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman resigns amid board petition
NAHCON is charged with organising, supervising and coordinating the annual Hajj for Nigerian Muslims. The agency also works closely with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, airlines, medical teams and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
If cleared by the Senate, Yusuf will be expected to provide leadership in strengthening regulatory compliance, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery to thousands of intending pilgrims each year. He will also inherit the task of managing timelines and logistics in an environment that requires precise international collaboration.
The Senate is anticipated to fix a date for his screening in the coming days in line with its constitutional responsibility for confirming presidential appointments.
READ ALSO: NAHCON begins 2026 hajj process, seeks adherence to Saudi Arabia timeline
With the nomination now formally before lawmakers, attention turns to the confirmation process that will determine who steers the affairs of the Hajj commission at a critical period for planning and reforms.
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