President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The announcement was made on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Professor Usman, a renowned academic with degrees from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University in Pakistan, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has previously led the Kano State Pilgrims Board and managed the largest quota of state pilgrims in Nigeria.
His appointment is pending Senate confirmation. President Tinubu anticipates that Professor Usman will lead NAHCON with utmost integrity, transparency, and commitment to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence — the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.
“He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.
“The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“The President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation”, the statement said.
Professor Usman will be replacing the embattled Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who was appointed on the October 17, 2023.