Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman has resigned as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), following mounting internal tensions and a formal vote of no confidence by members of the Commission’s board.
Prof. Usman’s departure comes after the NAHCON Board submitted a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January, unanimously recommending his removal from office.
The board cited concerns over leadership and warned that his continued tenure posed a risk to the effective planning and execution of Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj operations.
In the correspondence, board members expressed fears that ongoing administrative difficulties and a breakdown in trust within the Commission could undermine preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
They cautioned that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent potential disruption to the country’s Hajj arrangements.
It remains unclear whether Prof. Usman submitted his resignation before or after the board’s recommendation reached the Presidency.
However, his exit represents a significant development for NAHCON at a critical stage in its operational calendar.
Attention is now expected to turn to the Presidency, which is anticipated to formally acknowledge the resignation and appoint a successor to restore stability and ensure the smooth coordination of Nigeria’s upcoming Hajj exercises.