NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman resigns amid board petition
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from office following mounting pressure linked to allegations of misconduct.
A source within the commission disclosed that the resignation came after members of the NAHCON board submitted a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking his removal.
“Yes, he was forced to resign by the presidency after the petition against him,” the staff member said. “The commission has witnessed several controversies since his appointment, and a replacement is expected to be announced soon.”
READ ALSO: NAHCON board members petition Tinubu, seek removal of commission chairman
Usman’s last public assignment, according to reports, was last week when he hosted Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
The petition, dated January 19, 2026, was signed by all 11 board members and titled Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
In the document, the board said its decision followed what it described as prolonged internal observations and unsuccessful attempts to address concerns about the leadership of the commission. The members argued that the alleged lapses had weakened NAHCON’s credibility, stability and operational efficiency.
READ ALSO: NAHCON fixes hajj fee for ₦8.1m, ₦8.5m
Among the accusations levelled against the former chairman were claims of financial indiscipline and a lack of transparency in the management of funds. The board alleged that expenditures were repeatedly made and contracts awarded without its approval and in excess of approved budgetary thresholds.
“These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance,” the petition stated, adding that the situation was further complicated by an ongoing investigation of the chairman by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: NAHCON begins 2026 hajj process, seeks adherence to Saudi Arabia timeline
The board also accused Usman of approving Hajj-related contracts in ways that allegedly violated the Bureau of Public Procurement Act and due process requirements. According to the petitioners, such actions undermined transparency and value for money while exposing the commission to legal, financial and reputational risks.
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