Former NAHCON Chief Explains Why He Stepped Down, Denies Conflicts

Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has explained why he resigned from his leadership position, stressing that the decision was driven entirely by personal reasons. His resignation became effective on Monday, 9 February 2026.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Usman clarified that his resignation was not due to disagreement with the government or NAHCON’s mandate, but followed careful reflection and consultation with his family. He described the decision as one made in good conscience and out of respect for the responsibilities of public service.

He formally submitted his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2006, and thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the NAHCON board, staff, and partners, including State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, tour operators, and counterparts in Saudi Arabia, for their support during his tenure.

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• Governor Peter Mbah Orders Closure of Bet9ja Operations in Enugu

Addressing circulating reports of internal friction at the commission, including a petition submitted by 11 board members in January seeking his removal, Usman maintained that his exit was voluntary and aimed at ensuring a smooth transition while keeping the focus on delivering a successful Hajj 2026 programme.

“This resignation is driven purely by personal considerations and reflects no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate we have collectively pursued,” Usman emphasized, seeking to dispel speculation about conflicts or governance issues.

The former chairman’s statement has reassured stakeholders and the Muslim community that NAHCON’s operations and preparations for the upcoming Hajj season will continue without disruption.

Former NAHCON Chief Explains Why He Stepped Down, Denies Conflicts

Housing Crisis: ₦1.5m Rent vs ₦70k Minimum Wage Sparks Outcry in Nigeria

Nigerians are increasingly expressing frustration over the soaring cost of apartment rents in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, where even two-bedroom flats have become unaffordable for average earners.

In Lagos neighborhoods such as Lekki and Surulere, annual rents for two-bedroom apartments now range from ₦1.5 million to ₦4 million, with upfront payments and agent fees pushing total costs to ₦2.5 million–₦6 million. These figures far outpace the ₦70,000 monthly national minimum wage and exceed the average annual salaries of ₦2.75–₦3.4 million, making housing increasingly inaccessible.

Tenants report sudden rent hikes of 50–70%, forcing families to seek concessions, relocate to rural areas, or share accommodations. The crisis is compounded by Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at 15–20 million units nationwide, which critics attribute to landlord practices, agent manipulations, and inflated market demand.

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Citizens are calling for government intervention, including rent caps, increased housing construction, and better transportation links to make urban living more affordable. While the federal government has launched housing strategies to address the deficit, many residents still struggle to secure affordable apartments.

The debate has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences:

• @_ellaru tweeted: “A salary of 200k which is 2.4M a year can’t get you a good apartment on the mainland still. And that’s if you keep the entire salary without spending out of it.”
• @Morris_Monye: “I believe the Lagos rent bubble will burst soon. Lagosians simply don’t earn enough to afford such rent.”
• @lanreadelowo: “We need more housing in Lagos tbh. Like an awful lot more. Seeing people work all year round and struggling to meet up with rent is insane…”
• @thatguytelvin: “It’s becoming abnormal at this point! If you want a really comfortable apartment in Lagos now you must have millions of naira… after the first year they move out. This is not life tbh.”
• @callmetobiloba: “Lagos landlords will swear they don’t want to rent out their houses to fraudsters and go ahead to charge exorbitant house rents that people with decent and doing legal jobs cannot afford.”
• @Nedumcity_ in Abuja: “I was told my 1.5m can’t get me a 2 bedroom empty apartment in Wuse. I was told to come with 3m. After paying, I will still pay crazy agency, legal and caution fee that adds another 20–30% on top.”

With urban housing costs rising sharply, Nigerians are struggling to keep up, fueling urgent debates on housing affordability, fairness, and the need for effective government intervention.

Housing Crisis: ₦1.5m Rent vs ₦70k Minimum Wage Sparks Outcry in Nigeria

Vanguard

Governor Peter Mbah Orders Closure of Bet9ja Operations in Enugu

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has ordered the closure of Bet9ja operations in Enugu State, citing repeated violations of the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law by the popular gaming operator.

The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, acting on a High Court ex-parte order, sealed the head office of KC Gaming Networks, the company behind the Bet9ja brand, in Enugu on Tuesday. The closure follows persistent non-compliance, including failure to revalidate licences, outstanding fees owed to the state, and other breaches of the state’s gaming regulations.

Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of the Commission, explained that the state had exhausted all administrative remedies before enforcing the shutdown. He noted that the company ignored repeated directives on licence renewal and payment of gross gaming revenue, prompting the court-authorised action.

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The enforcement order, granted under Suit No. 6/54/2025 by the High Court of Enugu State, empowers the commission to seal and restrict access to the operator’s premises until compliance is achieved. Arum warned that the shutdown could extend to all Bet9ja outlets across Enugu State if the operator fails to meet regulatory requirements.

Governor Mbah and the Commission emphasised that no operator is above the law, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening gaming regulation and ensuring full compliance with the Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Law. This move aligns with recent efforts to modernise the state’s gaming sector and reinforce regulatory oversight.

Governor Peter Mbah Orders Closure of Bet9ja Operations in Enugu