Abdullahi Usman has resigned from his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Gatekeepers News reports that this brings an end to his tenure at the federal agency responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj operations in the country.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Usman submitted his resignation late on Monday after what was described as a deep personal reflection.
According to those close to the matter, the decision was entirely voluntary and not linked to any internal dispute, leadership crisis, or pressure from external forces. He was said to have concluded that stepping aside quietly was in the overall interest of the commission.
During his time in office, Usman reportedly focused on strengthening corporate governance, improving internal discipline, and stabilising the commission’s operations, particularly in the areas of planning, financial management, and pilgrimage coordination. He was also involved in reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the handling of Hajj logistics and funds.
As of the time of filing this report, neither federal government nor NAHCON had issued an official statement confirming the resignation or announcing a replacement.
However, top officials within the commission confirmed that the leadership transition process is already underway, with expectations that an interim arrangement may soon be put in place to avoid disruption to preparations for upcoming Hajj operations.
Usman was appointed NAHCON chairman in August 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the removal of Jalal Arabi, who was sacked amid investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the alleged mismanagement of the N90 billion presidential subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Since his appointment, Usman has worked closely with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, airlines, and Saudi authorities to improve coordination, service delivery, and pilgrims’ welfare.
