Tinubu sacks Arabi, appoints Abdullahi Usman as NAHCON chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Usman as the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday, that the appointment is subject to confirmation by the senate.

“Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence — the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan,” the statement reads.

“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 President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.”

Usman replaces Jalal Arabi, who was until this appointment the chairman of NAHCON.

Arabi is facing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged mismanagement of the N90 billion presidential subsidy for the 2024 hajj.