Board members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have formally petitioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate removal of the commission’s chairman and chief executive officer, Abdullahi Saleh Usman, over allegations of misconduct, financial impropriety and leadership failure.
The petition, dated January 19, 2026, was described by the board as a vote of no confidence in the chairman’s leadership. The commissioners argued that the issues raised were grave enough to warrant his removal “without delay,” warning that continued stay in office could further damage the commission and Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
According to the petitioners, Prof. Usman allegedly engaged in repeated acts of financial indiscipline, including approving expenditures and awarding contracts without the knowledge or consent of the board. They accused him of violating established financial regulations and the Public Procurement Act by bypassing due process and failing to obtain required approvals from relevant authorities.
The board further alleged that some of the contracts approved under the chairman’s leadership exceeded budgetary provisions, exposing the commission to serious financial risks. These actions, they said, undermined transparency and collective decision-making, which are central to the commission’s mandate.
In addition to financial concerns, the petition pointed to ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial misconduct within NAHCON. The commissioners argued that allowing the chairman to remain in office while such probes continue could compromise public confidence in the commission.
The board also raised concerns over strained relations with Saudi Arabian authorities, attributing diplomatic and operational challenges in recent Hajj preparations to mismanagement and poor coordination under the current leadership. They warned that these lapses could negatively affect Nigeria’s pilgrim quota and overall participation in future Hajj exercises.
Beyond allegations of corruption, the commissioners criticised Prof. Usman’s leadership style, accusing him of sidelining the board, fostering internal divisions and weakening teamwork within the commission. They said these issues have disrupted preparations for the 2026 Hajj and created uncertainty among stakeholders.
The petition has been submitted to the Presidency for consideration. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the NAHCON chairman has issued an official response.
The development adds to growing scrutiny of NAHCON’s leadership at a critical period, as the commission intensifies preparations for upcoming Hajj operations amid heightened public and institutional expectations for accountability and transparency.
Abuja Network News
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