The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has stepped down from his position, in what insiders describe as a resignation compelled by the Presidency following mounting allegations of misconduct.
Grassroots Parrot reports that a senior staff member at the commission disclosed that the development came after NAHCON’s governing board submitted a formal petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the chairman’s removal.
“Yes, he was forced to resign by the Presidency after the petition against him,” the source said. “The commission has been enmeshed in several controversies since his appointment. A replacement is expected to be announced soon.”
According to Daily Trust, Prof. Usman’s last official engagement was last week, when he received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
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The petition, dated January 19, 2026, and signed by all 11 board members, was titled “Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).”
The board said its decision followed prolonged internal observations and repeated attempts at corrective engagement, which it claimed failed to address what it described as persistent leadership lapses.
Board members alleged that the chairman’s actions had undermined the credibility, stability, and operational effectiveness of the commission.
Among the claims raised were accusations of financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and the repeated approval of expenditures and award of contracts without board consent, allegedly exceeding approved budgetary limits.
“These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance,” the petition stated, adding that the issues were “compounded by the fact that the chairman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
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The board further alleged that several Hajj-related contracts were awarded in violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act and established due process.
It warned that such actions could expose the commission to legal, financial, and reputational risks, while undermining transparency, fairness, and value for money.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Prof. Usman had issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding his exit.