Some stakeholders in the hajj industry have raised concerns over frequent leadership changes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission.

They spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the resignation of NAHCON chairman, Abdullahi Usman, effective Monday. Mr Usman said his decision to resign was taken for personal reasons.

Stakeholders, however, attributed the recurring leadership changes to persistent discord within and outside the hajj industry.

Zikrullah Hassan served as NAHCON chairman from December 2019 to October 2023, following his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure saw the commission navigate COVID-19 restrictions, launch the Hajj Savings Scheme and establish the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.

Mr Hassan was replaced by Jalal Ahmad Arabi, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 17, 2023, for a four-year term. Mr Arabi was later removed while under investigation over alleged misappropriation of funds released for the 2024 hajj.

Following the allegations, Mr Tinubu appointed Mr Usman to head the commission. Mr Usman served from October 2024 to February 9, 2026, amid internal disputes and allegations regarding financial management during the 2025 hajj.  The controversies generated tension within the commission and attracted public scrutiny.

Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a hajj industry expert, said the development reflected deeper discord within the sector. He dismissed claims that Usman lacked administrative and managerial competence. Additionally, he noted that the previous chairmen also faced allegations of abuse of office, protocol breaches and political interference.

Abdullahi Mohammad said NAHCON required a “no-nonsense” intervention to survive its present challenges. He urged the government to appoint a sole administrator, preferably an experienced technocrat, with full authority to reform the commission.

Muhammed Ibrahim, coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described the chairman’s exit as unfortunate but expected. He advised that an experienced insider should oversee ongoing operations to ensure continuity.

Abdullateef Yusuf, president of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, cited challenges over the allocation of additional slots. He urged the government to appoint a calm, reputable and experienced individual.

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu has Ismail Yusuf as the new NAHCON chief. The nomination, subject to Senate confirmation under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act 2006, was conveyed in a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

The president said he had written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking expeditious confirmation of the nominee.

The presidency said Mr Yusuf’s nomination followed Usman’s resignation after about 14 months in office. Mr Yusuf is a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

(NAN)