President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Usman, a renowned scholar with qualifications from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, has extensive experience in Hajj operations, previously serving as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board.
However, this appointment comes amidst an ongoing corruption investigation into the former NAHCON leadership.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained the outgoing chairman, Jalal Arabi, along with the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, over alleged mismanagement of the ₦90 billion Hajj subsidy for 2024.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed potential financial irregularities, including: Fraudulent overpayment of operational costs to Arabi and other senior officials and Unaccounted cash withdrawals of SR8.6 million from the subsidy fund.
The EFCC had alleged that: “The chairman fraudulently overpaid himself, the commissioners, secretary and directors for the 2024 hajj operational cost.
“The chairman was entitled to SR15,929 but he got SR50,000; three commissioners who were meant to get SR 15,929 each received SR 40,000 each. The secretary got SR 30,000 instead of SR14,336. Directors/Chief of Staff received SR 30,000 instead of the SR2,550 they were entitled to. The total of SR314,098 were recovered from all of them.”
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu said he expects Usman to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation, as the new chairman awaits Senate confirmation.
