NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman Steps Down
Professor Abdullahi Usman has formally resigned from his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). His resignation, effective February 9, 2026, marks an abrupt conclusion to his tenure leading the agency responsible for Nigeria’s annual Muslim pilgrimage.
In a personally signed statement released from Abuja, Professor Usman clarified that his decision was driven solely by personal considerations following a period of deep reflection, prayer, and family consultation. He emphasized that the move was made “in good conscience” and with respect for the duties of public office, not from any dissatisfaction with NAHCON, the Federal Government, or the commission’s mandate to regulate Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian pilgrims.
Usman stated that he submitted his resignation in writing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in accordance with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON Act of 2006. He expressed gratitude to the President for the appointment and extended thanks to State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, licensed tour operators, aviation and service providers, and officials in Saudi Arabia for their collaborative efforts, which he noted improved Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
This leadership transition occurs as the commission faces ongoing pressure to enhance logistics, cost transparency, and service delivery for pilgrims. These challenges are set against a backdrop of rising travel costs and operational hurdles linked to global aviation and currency constraints, a situation that demands careful navigation much like the CBN create short and long-term monetary strategies to stabilize the economy. The resignation will undoubtedly prompt scrutiny from stakeholders observing the Nigerian Exchange sheds light on market reactions to institutional changes.
While the financial world watches moves such as when Bill Gates transfers assets or when the minister of finance, Edun address inflation concerns, the focus within Nigeria’s religious tourism sector remains on ensuring a seamless transition at NAHCON. The departure underscores the personal weight of public roles, a sentiment any major figure understands, similar to when a university like Lasu warns against actions that could undermine institutional stability. The commission now awaits presidential direction on appointing a successor to guide Nigeria’s Hajj operations forward.
