President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The nomination was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President has forwarded a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, seeking the expeditious confirmation of Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after about 14 months in office.
The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act. Once confirmed, Yusuf will assume leadership of the commission, which is responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.
Yusuf is a seasoned career diplomat. He served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye between 2021 and 2024. His diplomatic experience is expected to enhance the commission’s efficiency and international coordination.
NAHCON oversees critical aspects of pilgrimage management in Nigeria, including the licensing of tour operators and the welfare of pilgrims. The agency plays a vital role in ensuring smooth logistics, regulatory compliance, and overall coordination of annual Hajj exercises.
Usman’s resignation followed a petition submitted to President Tinubu on January 19, 2026, by 11 members of the NAHCON board. The petition alleged financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and repeated approval of expenditures and contracts beyond board approvals and budgetary limits.
The board also accused the former chairman of awarding Hajj-related contracts in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, exposing the commission to legal, financial, and reputational risks. Usman, however, denied all allegations and maintained that his decision to resign was based solely on personal reasons.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Usman said he arrived at the decision after careful reflection and consultation with his family. He thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the NAHCON board, management staff, and stakeholders for their support during his tenure.
With Yusuf’s nomination, expectations are high that the commission will witness renewed stability, transparency, and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
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