By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, a veteran Nigerian diplomat, as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The nomination, announced Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, comes just days after the abrupt resignation of the previous chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who stepped down effective February 9, 2026, after serving approximately 14 months in the role.
In a letter sent today to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the “expeditious confirmation” of Ambassador Yusuf, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006, which requires Senate approval for the appointment.
Ambassador Yusuf brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position. He served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024, where he presented his Letters of Credence to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and engaged in high-level bilateral relations, including events tied to economic cooperation organizations such as the D-8.
His tenure in Ankara involved strengthening Nigeria-Türkiye ties in areas like trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, with reports of engagements including receptions for Nigeria’s National Day and interactions with business and diplomatic communities.
The appointment to lead NAHCON positions Yusuf at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most critical religious affairs institutions, responsible for coordinating and facilitating the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.
The commission oversees logistics, welfare, quota management, and compliance with Saudi Arabian authorities’ requirements amid growing pilgrim numbers and occasional operational challenges.
Professor Usman’s resignation followed a relatively short stint marked by personal reflections, as he stated in his announcement: “It is with deep reflection and gratitude to Allah SWT that I announce my resignation… effective Monday, 9th February 2026.”
While he cited personal reasons after family consultations, some media reports alluded to underlying controversies related to administrative and financial matters during his tenure, though no official confirmation of misconduct has been detailed by authorities.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Yusuf’s leadership is expected to emphasize efficiency, transparency, and improved pilgrim experiences, particularly as preparations for future Hajj seasons intensify.
