By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman and CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has stated that his resignation from the position is based solely on “personal reasons” and is made “in good conscience and with profound respect for the sacred responsibilities of public service.”
Usman submitted his resignation on Monday, surprising stakeholders in the Nigerian Hajj industry with his decision.
In a release he personally signed on Tuesday, the former NAHCON leader announced that he had submitted his resignation letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in accordance with Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act of 2006.
He explained that he made this decision after careful consideration and consultation with his family. Usman emphasised that his resignation is based purely on personal grounds and does not reflect any dissatisfaction with the Commission or the government.
“It is with deep reflection and gratitude to Allah SWT that I announce my resignation from the office of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, effective Monday, 9th February 2026.
“I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons. After prayerful contemplation and consultation with my family, I have made this choice in good conscience and with profound respect for the sacred responsibilities of public service.
“In line with the provisions of the Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2006, I have submitted my formal resignation in writing to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),” Usman stated.
He then expressed his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing him to serve the Nigerian Muslim community as well as Vice-President Kashim Shettima for his unwavering guidance, encouragement and support throughout his tenure.
Usman also expressed appreciation to NAHCON board members, other critical stakeholders, including the commission management and staff, state pilgrims boards, private tour operators, service providers and Saudi Arabia authorities.
“To His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I am eternally grateful for the profound trust and honour of appointing me to serve our nation and the Muslim ummah in this capacity. The confidence you placed in me is a privilege I will forever cherish.
“I am equally grateful to His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose unwavering guidance, encouragement, and support have been invaluable throughout my tenure.
“To the Members of the Board, I extend my sincere appreciation. To the Management and staff of the Commission, I thank you for your collegiality, dedication, and shared sense of purpose. Your professionalism, resilience, and steadfast commitment to service have been truly inspiring.
“I also wish to acknowledge our valued partners, the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, Tour Operators, aviation and service providers, and our esteemed counterparts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whose collaboration has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s Hajj operations.”
He added that, “Once again, I emphasize that this resignation is driven purely by personal considerations and reflects no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate we have collectively pursued.”
While praying for Tinubu and the new leadership of NAHCON, Usman then assured that his prayers are with all.
According to him, “As I step aside, my prayers are with you all. I ask Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy to accept our humble efforts, to guide and bless the President and the new leadership of NAHCON, and to grant all future pilgrims a Hajj Mabrur.”
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has kept mum on Usman’s resignation. It has also yet to name a replacement.
Usman was appointed by Tinubu in August 2024 following the removal of his predecessor, Malam Ahmad Jalal Arabi. He presided over the 2025 Hajj operations.
His tenure was marked with controversies and internal crisis with NAHCON board, which culminated in a petition sent to Tinubu by the board members against him in which they pass a vote of no confidence in Usman and sought his removal by the President.
In the petition, dated January 19, titled, “Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahu Saleh Usman”, the board members stated that their decision followed prolonged internal observations, repeated efforts at corrective engagements, and persistent leadership failures which had compromised the credibility, stability, and operational effectiveness and efficiency
of the Commission.
They cited financial indiscipline, violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act, corruption-related irregularities creating diplomatic strain with Saudi Arabia and breakdown of teamwork and internal governance due to poor leadership as their grouse with the chairman.
They, therefore, urged Tinubu to immediately remove Usman from office, warning that, “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 letter was jointly signed by Professor Abubakar A Yagawal (Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services – PRSILS); Prince Anofi Elegushi (Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing); Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq (Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance).
Other who signed were Prof Muhammad Umaru Ndagi (North Central); Alhaji Abba Jato Kala (North East); Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman (North West); Dr Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo (South West); Hajia Aishat Obi Ahmed (South East); Hajia Zainab Musa (South South); Prof Musa Inuwa Fodio of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Prof Mahfouz A. Adedimeji of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).