Hajj industry stakeholders are calling for urgent reform of Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) following the resignation of Chairman Prof. Abdullah Usman after just 14 months in office—the third leadership change in two years.
Usman stepped down on Monday citing personal reasons, but industry experts point to deeper systemic problems plaguing the commission, including internal conflicts, financial controversies, and political interference.
The pattern of instability is stark: Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan led NAHCON from December 2019 until October 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His successor, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, lasted less than a year before being removed amid allegations of fund misappropriation during the 2024 Hajj. Usman then took over in October 2024, only to resign this week amid disputes over the 2025 Hajj financial management.
Industry experts sound alarm
Hajj specialist Abubakar Jiddah Usman said the revolving door of leadership reveals systemic dysfunction. “Within two years, NAHCON has changed leadership three times. Shall we continue this way?” he asked, noting that every recent chairman has faced allegations and coordinated opposition.
He rejected suggestions that Usman lacked qualifications, arguing that previous leaders with different backgrounds also encountered similar challenges. “Experience and managerial skills are necessary, but in Nigeria they may prove insignificant to Hajj success,” he observed.
Abdullahi Mohammad urged the government to appoint a sole administrator—preferably an experienced technocrat—with full authority to overhaul the commission. “The administrator must insulate the Hajj process from material interests and political interference,” he said, calling for a “radical administrative reset” to restore transparency.
Operators face financial uncertainty
Alhaji Abdullateef Yusuf, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, highlighted the practical impact of the turmoil. Operators have invested billions of naira in hotels and airline tickets based on promised pilgrim slots that were subsequently withdrawn.
“Our operators are in serious limbo,” Yusuf said, appealing for a leader “with integrity who fears Allah, not someone driven by politics or personal gain.”
Muhammed Ibrahim of Independent Hajj Reporters called the resignation “unfortunate but expected,” noting that most pre-Hajj arrangements including registration and airline contracts are already complete. He recommended that an experienced insider manage operations through this year’s Hajj before a permanent appointment is made.
New nominee awaits confirmation
President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Turkey from 2021 to 2024, as NAHCON’s new chairman. The nomination requires Senate confirmation under the NAHCON Act 2006.
The president has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio requesting expedited approval as the 2025 Hajj season approaches.
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