Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from his position.

In a personally signed statement on Wednesday, Usman announced his resignation, effective Monday, 9th February 2026, attributing the decision solely to personal reasons.

“I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons. After prayerful contemplation and consultation with my family, I have made this choice in good conscience,” he stated.

The former chairman confirmed he has submitted his formal resignation letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and to Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “unwavering guidance.” He also thanked the NAHCON Board, management, staff, State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, tour operators, service providers, and Saudi Arabian counterparts for their collaboration.

Professor Usman emphasised that his departure “reflected no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate they have collectively pursued.”

He concluded with prayers for the President, the new leadership of NAHCON, and for all future pilgrims to be granted a successful Hajj (Hajj Mabrur).

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has proposed N8.5 million as the tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, following a post-Hajj meeting with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to review the 2025 Hajj operations.

According to the statement, the proposed fare is still subject to final negotiations on all service contracts.

It was also revealed that Nigeria has retained its 95,000-slot allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, with state welfare boards maintaining their previous allocations.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support to Nigerian pilgrims and the Commission.

He particularly noted the Federal Government’s intervention that enabled Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, shielding intending pilgrims from forex volatility.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, led deliberations on the 2026 Hajj Calendar, while the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, directed discussions on operational issues.

Prince Elegushi also raised the possibility of rolling over contracts for the four airlines that operated during the 2025 Hajj, citing time constraints and bureaucratic processes in relation to the Saudi Hajj calendar.

He noted that such a move would allow Nigeria to secure airlift slots early.