Professor Abdullahi Usman has stepped down as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), bringing his leadership of the federal pilgrimage agency to an abrupt end following weeks of internal discord.
His resignation, confirmed on Tuesday, comes shortly after the NAHCON board submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu seeking his removal over allegations of misconduct. The specific reasons for Usman’s decision to resign have not been formally communicated.
Ahmad Mu’azu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the chairman, said Usman informed members of his team of the decision late Monday night without further explanation.
“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.
Board sources said the resignation followed a vote of no confidence against Usman, citing what they described as persistent concerns about his leadership approach and administrative conduct.
The board’s position was outlined in a petition dated January 19, 2026, signed by 11 members and 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 authorisation, reportedly beyond approved budgetary limits.
According to the board, the decision to escalate the matter followed “prolonged internal observations and repeated efforts at corrective engagement,” which it said failed to address issues affecting the commission’s credibility, stability, and operational effectiveness.
Despite the internal disputes, Usman remained active in his official capacity until his resignation. His last public engagement was held last week in Abuja, where he received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
