Tinubu Appoints Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as new NAHCON Chairman
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The nomination was announced on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, President Tinubu submitted a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the swift confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to succeed Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after approximately 14 months in office. The appointment is pending Senate confirmation in accordance with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.
Yusuf, a seasoned diplomat, served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Turkey from 2021 to 2024.
NAHCON is the federal agency responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including licensing tour operators and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims.
In Abuja, Usman stated that his resignation was for personal reasons, emphasizing it was not due to dissatisfaction with the commission, government, or its mandate. He expressed gratitude to the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the NAHCON board, management staff, and stakeholders for their support during his tenure.
His resignation followed a petition by 11 NAHCON board members on January 19, 2026, calling for his removal over allegations of financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and approval of expenditures and contracts beyond authorized limits. The board also accused him of awarding Hajj-related contracts in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement Act, which could have exposed the commission to legal and reputational risks.
Usman denied any misconduct, asserting his resignation was solely motivated by personal considerations.
