NAHCON BOARD PASSES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE ON CHAIRMAN, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL

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Agency report

Less than four months to the commencement of this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a crisis of confidence has erupted within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as members of the commission’s board passed a “vote of no confidence” in the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

The board members conveyed their decision in a letter dated January 19 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The letter, sighted by Hotjist, accused the NAHCON chairman of leadership failures that, according to them, threaten the credibility and effectiveness of the commission ahead of the pilgrimage.

Titled Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahu Saleh Usman, the letter stated that the decision followed prolonged internal observations, repeated corrective engagements and persistent leadership lapses that had compromised the stability and operational efficiency of the commission.

The board cited allegations of financial indiscipline, violations of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act, corruption-related irregularities said to have strained diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, and a breakdown of teamwork and internal governance under Usman’s leadership.

Urging President Tinubu to immediately remove the NAHCON chairman, the board warned that allowing him to remain in office would adversely affect preparations for the 2026 Hajj and expose Nigeria to serious operational and diplomatic risks.

“We, the undersigned members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) appointed by your good office, respectfully write to formally convey our collective Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman.

“This decision follows prolonged internal observations, repeated efforts at corrective engagements, and persistent leadership failures that have compromised the credibility, stability, and operational effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission.

“We respectfully draw Your Excellency’s attention to the following grave concerns: Financial Indiscipline
We have observed consistent patterns of financial decision-making that lack transparency and fall short of the standards set by the Commission’s established public financial regulations.

“The Chairman has repeatedly expended funds without the Board’s approval and executed contracts far beyond the approved budgetary limits. These actions constitute grave breaches of financial governance and are further compounded by the fact that the Chairman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act. The Chairman has presided over the award of Hajj-related contracts in clear violation of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Act and due process. These actions undermine transparency, fairness, and value for money, and expose the Commission to legal, financial and reputational risks.

“For example, contracts were signed under the Chairman’s leadership without the mandatory ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

“Corruption-related Irregularities Creating Diplomatic Strain with Saudi Arabia

“There are serious allegations of corruption linked to oversight of Hajj-related activities. These irregularities have created avoidable tension between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in matters of compliance, credibility and operational coordination. One of the implications of this strain was the initial reduction of Nigeria’s quota of pilgrims from 95,000 in 2025 to 50,000 in 2026 Hajj operations.

“The fact that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2025 Hajj was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tugar, with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Taufiq Al-Rabiah, while the MOU for the 2026 Hajj was signed by the Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfatah Mashat, and the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Usman, on behalf of Nigeria, is an indicator of this strain.

“Breakdown of Teamwork and Internal Governance due to Poor Leadership

“The Chairman’s leadership style, marked by poor coordination, limited exposure, insufficient consultation and persistent disregard for due process, has gravely undermined effective workflow, strategic planning, and the delivery of statutory responsibilities.

“His continual failure to adhere to collective decision-making protocols, respect statutory limits and uphold established internal communication channels has precipitated a breakdown of teamwork and internal governance within the Commission.

“This deterioration is evidenced by escalating institutional discord, declining staff morale, and widespread operational dysfunction across departments.

“These conditions have been further exacerbated by repeated acts of insubordination, deliberate non-compliance with official directives, and open disregard for the public service hierarchy, the dissemination of false and misleading information, and, above all, the use of the media to blackmail officials, all of which have significantly damaged the integrity, stability, cohesion, and public image of the Commission.

“After our careful evaluation, we hereby unanimously resolve that the Chairman should not remain in office for even one additional day. Allowing him to continue in office gravely jeopardises the preparation, coordination and successful conduct of the upcoming Hajj operations, and further exposes Nigeria to operational and diplomatic risks.

“In view of the foregoing, we respectfully request Your Excellency’s urgent intervention. As a Board, we remain committed to serving the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ensuring that NAHCON operates with transparency, accountability and dedication to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in furtherance of the far-reaching Agenda of your Administration.”

The letter was jointly signed by Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal (Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services); Prince Anofi Elegushi (Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing); and Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq (Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance).

Other signatories include Professor Muhammad Umaru Ndagi (North Central); Alhaji Abba Jato Kala (North East); Sheikh Muhammad Bin Uthman (North West); Dr Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo (South West); Hajia Aishat Obi Ahmed (South East); Hajia Zainab Musa (South South); Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI); and Professor Mahfouz A. Adedimeji of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Meanwhile, the commission has reacted to the development, assuring that its operations remain focused on preparations for the Hajj.

“We are aware of the reports circulating, but we in NAHCON remain focused on our statutory responsibility to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj.

Leadership matters are administrative and not within my purview,” the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara Sanda, said.