\n\nProfessor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has resigned from his position, confirming an abrupt end to his tenure just months before the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage season.
His resignation was confirmed late Monday by his media assistant, Ahmed Muazu, who told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision was made by Usman himself, though no formal explanation has yet been issued for the move. 
Usman was appointed to lead NAHCON in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, succeeding Jalal Arabi, who was removed amid allegations of mismanagement involving the 2024 Hajj subsidy. During his short time in office, Usman oversaw the 2025 Hajj operations — his first major national assignment — which were beset by controversy and allegations of financial impropriety, contributing to internal tensions within the commission. 
Earlier in January 2026, members of NAHCON’s board passed a vote of no confidence against Usman, citing leadership failures, financial mismanagement, and operational breakdowns that they said compromised the commission’s effectiveness and credibility. The board petitioned President Tinubu, urging his removal ahead of the ongoing crisis. 
The internal disputes at NAHCON reportedly drew attention from senior government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who convened stakeholders in an effort to resolve differences and stabilise the organisation ahead of critical preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage. 
Usman’s resignation comes at a sensitive time for Hajj planning, raising questions about leadership continuity and preparation for the 2026 exercise. The Federal Government is expected to announce a successor soon as stakeholders push to ensure that Nigeria’s Hajj operations proceed without disruption.
