Members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of the commission’s chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, over allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, incompetence and abuse of office.
The petition, dated January 19, 2026, is titled Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman. It was signed by all serving commissioners of the commission, drawn from key operational departments, the six geopolitical zones and major Islamic organisations.
According to the commissioners, the petition followed months of internal tensions, prolonged observations and repeated attempts at corrective engagement, which they said failed to resolve what they described as persistent leadership failures that have undermined NAHCON’s credibility, stability and operational effectiveness.
The board accused Prof. Usman, popularly known as “Pakistan,” of financial indiscipline and disregard for established public financial regulations. They alleged that he repeatedly spent commission funds without board approval and awarded contracts far beyond approved budgetary limits.
“These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance,” the petition stated, adding that the chairman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The commissioners further alleged that several hajj-related contracts were awarded in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act and laid-down due process.
“For example, contracts were signed under the chairman’s leadership without the mandatory ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement,” the petition said.
They warned that the alleged infractions had exposed the commission to serious legal, financial and reputational risks, while also straining Nigeria’s relationship with Saudi Arabian authorities.
“These irregularities have created avoidable tension between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in matters of compliance, credibility and operational coordination,” the commissioners said, linking the situation to the initial reduction of Nigeria’s pilgrim quota from 95,000 in 2025 to 50,000 for the 2026 Hajj.
Beyond the financial allegations, the board criticised Prof. Usman’s leadership style, citing poor coordination, limited consultation, inadequate exposure and persistent disregard for due process.
After what they described as a careful and unanimous assessment, the commissioners resolved that the chairman should be removed without delay.
“We hereby unanimously resolve that the chairman should not remain in office for even one additional day,” the petition stated.
“Allowing him to continue in office gravely jeopardises the preparation, coordination and successful conduct of the upcoming Hajj operations and further exposes Nigeria to operational and diplomatic risks.”
The petition was signed by Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS); Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing; Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance; Prof. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Commissioner representing the North Central; Alhaji Abba Jato Kala, Commissioner representing the North East; and Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman, Commissioner representing the North West.
Other signatories include Dr. Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo, Commissioner representing the South West; Hajia Aishat Obi Ahmed, Commissioner representing the South East; Hajia Zainab Musa, Commissioner representing the South South; Prof. Musa Inuwa Fodio, Commissioner representing Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI); and Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, Commissioner representing the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
The petition adds to mounting allegations against the NAHCON chairman. In October 2025, reports emerged of internal discontent within the commission over alleged financial irregularities, political interference and the concentration of decision-making authority among a few close associates.
Multiple sources alleged that Prof. Usman sidelined executive commissioners while relying heavily on his younger brother, Mr. Sirajo Salisu Usman, and one Mr. Abdumaik Diigi in key administrative and operational decisions without full board consultation.
Efforts to reach Prof. Usman for comment were unsuccessful. However, in an earlier interview, he dismissed complaints within the commission as being driven by bitterness, suggesting that some officials were dissatisfied over travel arrangements or perceived personal benefits.
Meanwhile, the EFCC is reportedly investigating the chairman over alleged extra-budgetary expenditures, unauthorised disbursements and breaches of executive procedures. In August, the anti-graft agency detained Sirajo Salisu Usman in Abuja over alleged fraud involving billions of naira.