Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman has resigned as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) following weeks of internal disputes, corruption allegations, and a formal vote of no confidence by the commission’s board.
His resignation was confirmed late Monday by his media aide, Ahmed Muazu. No official reason was provided.
Usman was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, taking over from Jalal Arabi, who was removed while under investigation for alleged misappropriation of Hajj funds. He oversaw his first Hajj operations in 2025, but his tenure soon became overshadowed by controversy.
In January 2026, all serving NAHCON commissioners petitioned President Tinubu, demanding Usman’s immediate removal. The petition accused him of corruption, financial mismanagement, incompetence, and abuse of office. It alleged that he bypassed the board in approving expenditures, awarded contracts beyond budgetary limits, and violated public procurement rules.
The board also accused Usman of sidelining commissioners and concentrating decision-making authority among close associates, including his younger brother, Sirajo Salisu Usman, and an aide, Abdumaik Diigi.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly investigating Usman over alleged unauthorised spending and breaches of procedure. In August 2025, Sirajo Salisu Usman was detained over alleged fraud involving billions of naira.
Vice President Kashim Shettima reportedly intervened two weeks ago to calm tensions and reconcile stakeholders, but the board maintained that the chairman should not remain in office.
Usman had previously dismissed internal complaints as motivated by personal grievances. His resignation now adds to uncertainty over NAHCON’s leadership and Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
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