Reassessing the Management of Hajj Operations

On February 9, 2026, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman resigned from his role as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which underscores the challenges facing this key organization responsible for organizing the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Since he took office in 2024, Usman has faced persistent conflicts with his fellow board members, which led to a series of accusations and counter- accusations. These disputes have significantly disrupted the operations of the commission, adversely affecting its overall efficiency.

His departure comes just over a year after his predecessor, Jalal Arabi, was dismissed amid claims of financial misconduct. This situation necessitates a thorough evaluation of the management practices of those leading the commission, given the profound impact its actions have on Nigeria's international reputation.

Additionally, Usman's resignation followed months rife with allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Tensions escalated when, in late January, the commission's board submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu expressing a lack of confidence in his leadership and calling for his removal.

Regrettably, this turmoil arises at a crucial time when focus is required for the upcoming Hajj preparations in Saudi Arabia, where arrangements, according to officials from the kingdom, are significantly behind schedule. Only recently, the Saudi Hajj Authority agreed to extend the deadline for payments by one week for Nigerian pilgrims.

In the wake of these developments, the president has appointed Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new chairman of the commission. Given his background as a career diplomat, there are hopeful expectations that he will promptly rectify the existing issues plaguing the organization's preparations for this year’s pilgrimage. However, his success will largely depend on how effectively he addresses the many challenges that currently face the commission.

Moreover, there is an urgent need for the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the commission’s activities with the aim of transforming it into a more reliable and functional institution. This transformation is critical for restoring the faith of stakeholders in the commission, particularly that of the Saudi authorities.

It is asserted that one of the essential measures is to ensure that the commission adheres to its core role as a regulatory body rather than becoming directly involved in operational tasks. Over the years, the commission has taken on a wide range of operational responsibilities regarding the Hajj, thereby neglecting its supervisory obligations. Frequently, it has engaged in logistics such as food provision, transportation, and accommodation planning for pilgrims, often resulting in being overwhelmed, which compromises its regulatory duties. This has regrettably created opportunities for corruption and resulted in many tasks being inadequately addressed, ultimately affecting ordinary pilgrims adversely.

Nigeria requires robust institutions capable of enduring challenges, and NAHCON is one such institution that necessitates immediate reform. It is regrettable that over 50 years after we first organized Hajj, the country continues to grapple with ensuring a seamless operation. Reflecting on our experiences, Nigeria should be on par with nations like Indonesia and Malaysia, which consistently execute well-organized Hajj operations annually.

The federal government needs to initiate a reorganization of the commission to refocus on its fundamental mandate as a regulator. This restructuring is vital to ensure that it has professionally trained personnel to oversee the activities of state pilgrims’ welfare agencies and tour operators, guaranteeing that every pilgrim receives value for their investment. The commission should also refrain from acting as a subsidy provider for pilgrims, as for years it has falsely appeared that the government financially aids the pilgrimage, while in reality, the pilgrims cover the complete expenses, including service charges payable to NAHCON.

It is imperative to set things right. A consistent administrative approach to the Hajj process is crucial. Those at the helm of NAHCON must recognize that their primary responsibility is the welfare of the pilgrims who strive to fulfill one of Islam’s foundational pillars. The actions of NAHCON officials should not exploit this sacred duty for monetary gain.