Prof. Abdullahi Usman has stepped down as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) following weeks of intense internal crisis, corruption allegations and a formal vote of no confidence by members of the commission’s board.
His resignation was confirmed late Monday by his media aide, Ahmed Muazu, though no official reason was provided.
Usman was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to lead the commission after the removal of his predecessor, Jalal Arabi, who was under investigation over alleged misappropriation of Hajj funds. He supervised his first Hajj operations in 2025, but his tenure quickly became overshadowed by disputes within the commission.
Tensions peaked in January 2026 when all serving commissioners of NAHCON jointly petitioned President Tinubu, demanding his immediate removal. In the petition dated January 19, the commissioners accused Usman of corruption, financial mismanagement, incompetence and abuse of office.
They alleged that the chairman repeatedly bypassed the board in financial decisions, approved expenditures beyond budgetary limits and awarded contracts without complying with the Bureau of Public Procurement requirements, including the mandatory “No Objection Certificate.”
According to the petitioners, these actions exposed the commission to legal and reputational risks and contributed to diplomatic strain with Saudi Arabian authorities, including an initial reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026.
The board also criticised Usman’s leadership style, accusing him of sidelining commissioners and concentrating decision-making authority among a small circle of close associates. Among those mentioned were his younger brother, Sirajo Salisu Usman, and an aide, Abdumaik Diigi, who were allegedly involved in key operational decisions without full board consultation.
The commissioners further disclosed that the chairman was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged extra-budgetary spending and unauthorised disbursements. In August 2025, Sirajo Salisu Usman was reportedly detained by the anti-graft agency in connection with alleged financial infractions running into billions of naira.
As the crisis deepened, Vice President Kashim Shettima reportedly intervened about two weeks ago, convening a meeting with stakeholders in an effort to ease tensions and restore order within the commission.
Usman had earlier downplayed the allegations, suggesting that internal grievances were driven by dissatisfaction among some officials over personal benefits and travel arrangements.
His resignation now follows the board’s emphatic resolution that he should not remain in office “for even one additional day,” citing the risk his continued stay posed to preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
The development leaves NAHCON facing fresh leadership uncertainty at a critical time as Nigeria begins planning for the next pilgrimage season.