President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
The announcement came via a statement on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu sent a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the Senate’s swift confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after 14 months in office.
“The President has forwarded a letter to the Senate today, seeking expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to lead NAHCON,” the statement said.
The appointment is subject to Senate approval in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.
A seasoned diplomat, Yusuf served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.
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His nomination comes at a critical time for NAHCON, as preparations for the 2026 Hajj are already in motion.
NAHCON is responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including licensing tour operators and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims.
Usman’s resignation on Monday has raised concerns about continuity at the commission, but authorities have assured that arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage remain on track.