NAHCON in turbulence: Yusuf emerges fourth Chairman in six years, faces mounting Hajj crisis
By Hajj Reporters
Ismail Abba Yusuf has emerged as the fourth chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) since 2020, marking another leadership transition in an agency increasingly defined by instability, controversy and high expectations from millions of pilgrims.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Yusuf as chairman and chief executive officer of NAHCON, subject to Senate confirmation, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act. The appointment followed the resignation of Abdullahi Usman on February 9, 2026, after about 14 months in office.
In a statement issued by presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president was said to have forwarded Yusuf’s name to the Senate for expeditious confirmation to ensure continuity in the commission at a critical moment in preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
Yusuf, a retired career diplomat and former Nigerian ambassador to Türkiye, takes over an institution that has witnessed frequent leadership changes in recent years.
In 2020, former president Muhammadu Buhari appointed Zikrullah Hassan as NAHCON chairman. His tenure ended in 2023 when he was directed to proceed on compulsory retirement leave.
Jalal Arabi succeeded him in an acting capacity in October 2023, but his tenure was short-lived. He was removed from office in August 2024 amid allegations linked to the management of a N90 billion government subsidy provided to cushion the cost of the 2024 Hajj.
A few weeks later, Abdullahi Usman was appointed chairman. He resigned on February 9, 2026, following allegations of abuse of office and misappropriation, among other concerns.
With Yusuf’s appointment, NAHCON has now had four chairmen within six years, a development that underscores persistent governance challenges in Nigeria’s Hajj administration system.
Heavy burdens ahead
Yusuf assumes office at a time when preparations for the 2026 Hajj are in advanced stages. Key agreements covering accommodation, flights, transportation and logistics have largely been concluded, but critical phases of the exercise, particularly airlift operations, are yet to begin.
Outbound and inbound flights remain one of the most complex aspects of Hajj operations. Securing favourable departure and arrival slots for Nigerian carriers often requires diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities and international aviation stakeholders, an area where Yusuf’s diplomatic background is expected to play a significant role.
Beyond logistics, the new chairman inherits a commission grappling with deep-rooted issues of transparency, accountability and stakeholder trust.
Despite not receiving direct budgetary allocations for its operations, NAHCON generates revenue from licensing tour operators and levies charged on pilgrims. However, limited disclosure of its financial records has raised persistent concerns about accountability and has, in the past, attracted the attention of anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Stakeholders have also repeatedly complained that Nigerian pilgrims do not receive services commensurate with the high fares they pay. Details of contractual agreements between NAHCON and service providers often remain opaque, fuelling speculation and mistrust within the industry.
Strained relations with stakeholders
Yusuf also inherits strained relations between NAHCON and tour operators. Some operators have accused the commission of failing to fully refund caution deposits paid annually, while others claim that promised allocations for the 2026 Hajj, including about 6,000 slots, are yet to be released as deadlines for pilgrims’ data capture draw near.
They say the new chairman must prioritise the settlement of outstanding refunds to pilgrims, strengthen communication between NAHCON and critical stakeholders, and clearly define the boundaries between regulatory and operational responsibilities in the Hajj and Umrah industry.
They also argue that Yusuf must ensure that civil service rules prevail within the commission, promote merit-based administration, and eliminate discrimination driven by political or sectional considerations.
Test of leadership
As competing interests continue to jostle over resources and influence within Nigeria’s Hajj ecosystem, Yusuf’s leadership is expected to be tested by the need to restore confidence in NAHCON and refocus its operations on the core objective of serving pilgrims.
Whether his tenure will mark a turning point for an institution often embroiled in controversy remains to be seen, but the expectations are high. For millions of Nigerian pilgrims, the success or failure of his leadership will ultimately be measured by one standard: efficient, transparent and pilgrim-centred Hajj operations.
