In a decisive move to restore integrity and efficiency within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the commission. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, via his official social media X channel.
Professor Usman, a distinguished Islamic scholar, is poised to replace the outgoing chairman, Jalal Arabi, a former permanent secretary who is currently embroiled in a web of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Arabi, along with the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of Hajj funds, a scandal that has cast a shadow over the commission’s reputation.
The newly nominated NAHCON chairman, Professor Usman, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His academic credentials are formidable, with qualifications from the prestigious University of Madinah and Peshawar University in Pakistan. Beyond his academic achievements, Usman is well-versed in the intricacies of Hajj operations. His tenure as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board saw him successfully oversee the operations of the largest state pilgrim quota in Nigeria, earning him a reputation for competence and dedication.
This nomination is a clear signal of President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing NAHCON and ensuring that the commission upholds the highest standards of transparency and service delivery. However, Professor Usman’s appointment is contingent upon confirmation by the Senate, a process that will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the administration.
The President’s choice of Professor Usman, a scholar with a deep understanding of both the spiritual and logistical demands of the Hajj, underscores the importance of competence and moral rectitude in the leadership of such a crucial institution.
The State House has yet to release an official statement on the timing of the Senate confirmation hearing, but the swift replacement of Arabi indicates that the administration is keen on addressing the challenges facing NAHCON without delay.
State House Press Release
PIONEER NEWS 