Some stakeholders in the Hajj industry have expressed concern over frequent leadership changes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), calling for a comprehensive reform of the commission.
They spoke on Wednesday in Abuja following the resignation of NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, which takes effect from Monday. Usman cited personal reasons for his decision.
However, industry stakeholders attributed the recurring changes in leadership to persistent discord within and outside the Hajj sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan served as NAHCON Chairman from December 2019 to October 2023, after his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, the commission navigated COVID-19 restrictions, launched the Hajj Savings Scheme, and established the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
Hassan was succeeded by Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 17, 2023, for a four-year term. Arabi was later removed while under investigation over alleged misappropriation of funds released for the 2024 Hajj.
Following the development, Tinubu appointed Usman, who served from October 2024 to Feb. 9, 2026. His tenure was marked by internal disputes and allegations concerning financial management during the 2025 Hajj, which generated tension within the commission and attracted public scrutiny.
Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a Hajj industry expert, described the situation as a reflection of deeper challenges in the sector.
“Yes, Prof. Abdullahi Usman has resigned. Whether voluntary or forced is immaterial. What remains indisputable is that anyone overseeing the Hajj industry in Nigeria faces a campaign of calumny from within and outside the sector,” he said.
He questioned the frequent leadership changes within a short period. “Within two years, NAHCON has changed leadership three times. Shall we continue this way?”
He dismissed claims that Usman lacked administrative and managerial competence, arguing that fluency in Arabic should not be the sole benchmark for effective leadership in modern Hajj operations.
Another expert, Abdullahi Mohammad, said NAHCON required firm intervention to address its current challenges. He urged the government to appoint a sole administrator, preferably an experienced technocrat with full authority to reform the commission.
“The administrator must insulate the Hajj process from material interests and political interference. Only a radical administrative reset can restore diligence, transparency and service to pilgrims,” he said.
Muhammed Ibrahim, Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described the chairman’s exit as unfortunate but understandable, noting that most pre-Hajj activities, including registration and airline contracts, had been completed.
“Given the discord, it may be best to allow the chairman to step down to avoid conflicts affecting pilgrims,” he said, advising that an experienced insider oversee ongoing operations to ensure continuity.
Alhaji Abdullateef Yusuf, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, pointed to challenges surrounding the allocation of additional slots.
“Many members paid millions for hotels and tickets in Saudi Arabia, amounting to billions of naira. Slots promised were later withdrawn, and there is still no clarity. Our operators are in serious limbo,” he said.
He called on the government to appoint a calm, reputable and experienced individual with integrity.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has nominated Amb. Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, subject to Senate confirmation under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act 2006.
The nomination was conveyed in a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who said the President had written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio seeking expeditious confirmation.
According to the presidency, Yusuf’s nomination followed Usman’s resignation after about 14 months in office. Yusuf is a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.