The resignation of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has raised fresh concerns over preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, coming barely two months before the start of the official airlift of pilgrims.
Prof. Abdullahi stepped down on Monday, citing personal reasons. He explained that his decision followed prayers and consultations with members of his family.
However, his time in office had reportedly been surrounded by allegations of corruption and abuse of office, which allegedly created tension between him and other NAHCON board members. The controversy is said to have distracted the commission from focusing fully on the annual Hajj preparations.
Daily Trust gathered that the allegations led to several petitions submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, requesting his removal. The most recent petition was reportedly dated January 19, 2026.
Although key agreements involving airlift arrangements, accommodation, and other logistics have reportedly been concluded, stakeholders have expressed worry about the timing of the resignation. Observers noted that the current stage of preparations requires strong leadership and coordination to ensure smooth travel operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
Sources revealed that the federal government is expected to appoint a replacement, but experts have advised that an acting chairman should be selected from within the existing board to maintain stability. They warned that a delay in leadership could affect coordination and reduce confidence in the overall Hajj process.
Prof. Abdullahi Explains Decision
Prof. Abdullahi insisted that his resignation was strictly based on personal reasons and had nothing to do with the petitions or allegations against him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, he confirmed that his resignation letter had been submitted to President Tinubu and that it took effect on Monday, February 9, 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,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for appointing him, describing the opportunity to serve the nation and the Muslim community as an honour.
He added that his decision was not due to any dissatisfaction with the commission or the federal government, and he prayed for a successful Hajj exercise under the next leadership.
Tour Operators Raise Concerns
Private tour operators have also expressed serious concern, warning that the resignation could negatively affect ongoing preparations.
The National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), Alhaji Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf, said the outgoing chairman’s tenure had created difficulties, especially in the area of allocating additional slots for tour operators.
He explained that many operators had already paid huge sums for hotel reservations and airline tickets in Saudi Arabia, running into billions of naira, but promised slots were later withdrawn without clear explanations.
“Many of our members have paid millions for hotel bookings and airline tickets in Saudi Arabia, amounting to billions of naira. Slots promised to them were later withdrawn, and up to now, there is no information regarding those allocations. Our operators are in serious limbo,” Yusuf said.
He urged the federal government to appoint a competent and reputable leader, warning against choosing someone based on politics or selfish interest.
“We need someone who understands administration, has integrity, and fears Allah—not someone seeking to make money,” he added.
An industry expert and coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, Muhammed Ibrahim, described the chairman’s resignation at such a critical stage as unfortunate, though not surprising due to the reported conflicts within the board.
He noted that most of the major preparations, including pilgrim registration and agreements with airlines and service providers, had already been completed.
“Given the discord, it may be best to allow the chairman to step down to avoid conflicts that could affect pilgrims,” Ibrahim said.
He recommended that an experienced official within the commission should oversee operations for now to prevent disruption.
He further suggested that after the 2026 Hajj, the government should appoint a new chairman with strong integrity and experience to align Nigeria’s Hajj administration with the standards of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Arabia Extends Pilgrims’ Data Capturing Deadline
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved a one-week extension for the capturing and grouping of Nigerian pilgrims’ data for the 2026 pilgrimage, following intervention by the Nigerian government.
NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the extension would provide stakeholders more time to complete the submission process.
She warned that once the new deadline expires, Saudi authorities may not grant any further extension, urging all parties involved to act quickly and complete the necessary documentation.
