Abuja, Nigeria – February 11, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the presidency announced on Wednesday.
The appointment comes one week after the immediate past chairman, Abdullahi Usman, resigned from the position citing personal reasons. Usman’s departure was officially confirmed last week, when he stated that his decision followed deep personal reflection, prayers, and extensive consultations with his family members.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nomination of Ismail Yusuf has been forwarded to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. President Tinubu has written a formal letter to the Senate President requesting expeditious consideration and approval of the nominee to enable a smooth transition at the helm of NAHCON.
“President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),” the statement read. “The nomination is subject to the confirmation of the Senate. The President has written to the Senate President requesting speedy confirmation of the nominee.”
NAHCON is the federal agency responsible for planning, organising, and supervising the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims, as well as managing related welfare, logistics, and regulatory functions. The commission plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for hundreds of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims each year.
The resignation of Abdullahi Usman had sparked speculation about possible leadership challenges or internal issues at the commission, particularly given the timing ahead of the upcoming 2026 Hajj season. Usman, who had served in the role for several years, described his exit as entirely personal and unrelated to any operational or policy disagreements. In his resignation letter and subsequent public remarks, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and wished his successor success in steering the commission forward.
Ismail Yusuf’s nomination is seen by observers as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen key institutions responsible for religious affairs and citizen welfare. While details about Yusuf’s background, previous roles, and specific qualifications were not immediately disclosed in the presidential statement, his selection is expected to undergo thorough scrutiny during the Senate confirmation process.
The Nigerian Senate, which holds the constitutional power to screen and confirm appointees to certain federal positions, is likely to prioritise the matter given the importance of NAHCON’s mandate and the need for stable leadership ahead of the next Hajj exercise. The confirmation process typically involves a review of the nominee’s credentials, public hearing, and a vote by the upper chamber.
The National Hajj Commission has faced various challenges in recent years, including logistical difficulties, airline-related controversies, financial management concerns, and efforts to modernise pilgrimage operations. The new chairman, once confirmed, will be expected to address these issues while ensuring compliance with both domestic regulations and the requirements set by Saudi Arabian authorities, who oversee the global Hajj process.
President Tinubu’s decision to act swiftly in filling the vacancy reflects the administration’s recognition of the need for continuity and effective leadership at NAHCON, particularly as preparations for the 2026 Hajj begin to gather pace. The Hajj quota for Nigeria, along with associated costs, timelines, and welfare arrangements, are matters of significant national interest, especially for the country’s large Muslim population.
Stakeholders in the pilgrimage sector, including state pilgrim welfare boards, hajj operators, and intending pilgrims, will be closely watching the confirmation process and the eventual assumption of office by the new chairman. A prompt and successful transition is widely regarded as essential to maintaining public confidence in the commission’s ability to deliver a hitch-free pilgrimage experience.
The presidency has not provided a timeline for when the Senate might take up the nomination, but the request for speedy confirmation suggests an expectation of relatively swift legislative action. Once approved, Ismail Yusuf will take over leadership of NAHCON at a critical juncture for the agency’s operations and reform agenda.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of appointments and leadership changes across federal agencies under the current administration, as President Tinubu continues to reshape key institutions to align with his policy priorities.
Further details on Ismail Yusuf’s background and the formalities of his confirmation are expected to emerge as the Senate process unfolds. For now, all eyes are on the upper legislative chamber to facilitate a smooth handover at one of Nigeria’s most important religious affairs bodies.
