Soliu Oyesiji.
The resignation of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, did not come as a surprise to key stakeholders in the Hajj industry who had been closely monitoring developments within the commission.
Since assuming office, Professor Usman was embroiled in a series of controversies ranging from questions over his competence and allegations of nepotism to concerns about his limited grasp of the administrative demands required to effectively manage Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Investigations revealed that the final straw was a petition jointly written by all members of the NAHCON board, outlining serious concerns over his leadership. The petition was forwarded to the Presidency for action.
Sources further disclosed that the President was particularly displeased after being briefed on the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims, a development believed to have negatively impacted intending pilgrims nationwide.
In addition, reports from intelligence agencies and an ongoing financial investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were said to have compounded the situation, ultimately weakening the chairman’s position.
The President was said to have directed the Vice President to review the petition, assess the reports, and make appropriate recommendations, including identifying a more competent replacement to ensure hitch-free Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
The resignation is expected to pave the way for reforms aimed at restoring confidence in NAHCON ahead of future Hajj exercises.
