The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman, has resigned from office, marking a significant leadership change at the federal pilgrimage body.
While the circumstances surrounding his resignation have not been officially disclosed, the development comes amid reports of internal tensions within the commission, including a petition by the NAHCON board to President Bola Tinubu seeking his removal over alleged misconduct.
Confirming the resignation on Tuesday, the Technical Assistant (Media) to the chairman, Ahmad Mu’azu, said Usman communicated his decision late Monday but did not provide details.
“Yes, he has resigned, but I am still waiting for him to communicate his reasons, because he just sent a one-line message to us last night (Monday night), informing us of his resignation. I think proper communication will be done this morning,” Mu’azu said.
Sources familiar with the matter said the resignation followed a vote of no confidence by the NAHCON board, which accused the chairman of actions that allegedly undermined the commission’s governance and operations.
The board’s concerns were formally conveyed in a petition dated January 19, 2026, signed by 11 members.
Titled Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the petition alleged financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and repeated approval of expenditures and contract awards without board consent, reportedly exceeding approved budgetary limits.
The board stated that its action came after “prolonged internal observations and repeated efforts at corrective engagement,” which it said failed to address what it described as persistent leadership failures.
Until his resignation, Usman continued to carry out official duties. His last public engagement was last week, when he received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Abuja.
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