Leadership Crisis at NAHCON as Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman Resigns

Leadership Crisis at NAHCON as Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman Resigns

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from office, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure overshadowed by internal turmoil, board opposition, and allegations of poor leadership.

The resignation followed weeks of escalating tension within the commission, culminating in a vote of no confidence passed by the NAHCON board. Commissioners had formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the removal of the chairman over claims of gross misconduct, administrative lapses, and financial irregularities that they said threatened the effectiveness of the agency.

Insiders revealed that all statutory members of the commission signed a letter warning that allowing Prof. Usman to remain in office could jeopardise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, a critical responsibility of NAHCON. The letter reportedly described the situation as unsustainable, citing breakdowns in trust between the chairman and the board.

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Although no official reason was stated in the resignation announcement, multiple developments point to mounting internal pressure as a decisive factor. The commission had been locked in persistent disputes over governance, procurement processes, and decision-making authority, leading to growing dissatisfaction among staff and stakeholders.

Despite the crisis, NAHCON had recently concluded key Hajj logistics arrangements, including accommodation planning in Makkah and Madinah, raising concerns about continuity as the leadership transition unfolds. Stakeholders are now calling on the Federal Government to ensure a swift appointment of a replacement to avoid disruptions to pilgrimage preparations.

Reactions to the resignation have been mixed. While some Hajj stakeholders welcomed the development as a necessary step to restore stability and credibility within NAHCON, others cautioned that deeper institutional reforms are required to prevent future leadership conflicts.

Professor Usman, who was appointed and confirmed in 2024, initially assumed office with promises to reform the commission and improve service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims. His departure now places the spotlight on the Federal Government’s next move and how NAHCON will navigate the leadership vacuum ahead of one of its most sensitive operational cycles.

Leadership Crisis at NAHCON as Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman Resigns