The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Saleh Usman, has denied accusations by some non-executive board members claiming exclusion from key commission activities, describing the allegations as “baseless” and aimed at distracting the commission from its preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
In a personally signed statement released over the weekend, Professor Usman addressed concerns raised by certain board members, which include claims of non-inclusion in procurement processes, denial of access to his office, failure to provide official vehicles, and non-payment of entitlements.
Responding, the NAHCON Chairman clarified that non-executive members, by law, have limited administrative roles. Citing Rule 2 of the NAHCON Act, he stated that while the Chairman and three full-time members serve on a full-time basis, six other members, including at least two women, serve part-time without defined roles in procurement or administrative decisions.
“By their positions, these non-executive board members have no specific role in procurement or administration under either the Procurement Act or the NAHCON Act,” Professor Usman stated.
He addressed specific accusations made by Alhaji Abba Jato, North East representative, and Hajia Aisha Obi, South East representative, noting that both had been actively involved and fully sponsored for the commission’s first pre-Hajj visit under his leadership. Records of travel allowances, air tickets, visas, and estacode payments were provided, he said.
Additionally, during the recent Ramadan Umrah Monitoring exercise, other non-executive members, Dr. Tajuddeen Agbafe (South West) and Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman (North West) were nominated and fully paid their entitlements, the chairman added.
On the issue of official vehicles, Professor Usman clarified that no provision exists in the NAHCON Act or any previous commission policy granting official vehicles to non-executive members.
He also debunked the claim that his office was inaccessible, citing frequent visits and direct engagements with several non-executive members. “Mrs. Aisha Obi has always had access to my office. She even spends extended periods discussing matters, sometimes beyond official duties,” he said.
Regarding alleged non-payment of allowances, the Chairman insisted that to his knowledge, all board members have received their rightful entitlements. “If any oversight occurred, it was never brought to my attention,” he added.
Professor Usman expressed disappointment that some members chose to go public rather than approach him directly. “As Chairman and CEO, I believe I deserve the courtesy of being informed before such accusations are made,” he remarked.
He warned that the allegations appear to be a calculated attempt to undermine the Commission’s preparations for the 2025 Hajj. “These distractions serve no purpose other than to sabotage our collective goal,” he said.
Calling for unity, Professor Usman urged all members of the board executive and non-executive as well as staff, state Muslim Pilgrims Boards, private operators, and stakeholders to work together toward a successful and seamless Hajj operation.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support and expressed optimism that the 2025 pilgrimage will be one of the most organized and successful in the country’s history.
“The entire Commission remains committed to delivering a Hajj operation Nigeria can be proud of,” Professor Usman concluded.
