The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned following a unanimous vote of no confidence from the commission’s board over allegations of gross miscond
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has officially resigned his position amid mounting pressure from the agency’s leadership and the Presidency. The resignation, which occurred on Monday, follows a scathing petition submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by all 11 members of the NAHCON board. Internal sources indicate that the Presidency effectively forced the move to avoid a formal dismissal, as the commission has been embroiled in controversies regarding financial irregularities and administrative failures since Usman’s appointment in 2024.
The board’s petition, dated January 19, 2026, and titled “Vote of No Confidence,” cited persistent leadership failures that reportedly compromised the credibility and operational effectiveness of the commission. The board members accused the Chairman of financial indiscipline, alleging that he repeatedly executed contracts and expended funds far beyond approved budgetary limits without the necessary board oversight. “Yes, he was forced to resign by the presidency following the petition against him. The commission has faced several controversies since his appointment. The presidency will announce a replacement soon,” a commission source revealed, noting that the exit was necessary to stabilize Hajj preparations.
Professor Usman’s final official act was receiving Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah last week, an engagement that reportedly did little to salvage his standing with Nigerian authorities. The petitioning board members maintained that their decision came after “prolonged internal observations and repeated efforts at corrective engagement” had failed to yield results. With the 2026 Hajj operations approaching, the Presidency is expected to appoint a successor immediately to ensure that Nigeria’s operational and diplomatic standing with Saudi authorities remains intact during the transition.
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