Professor Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Usman has announced his resignation as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) effectively immediately.
The resignation was contained in a statement released Tuesday, where he cited personal reasons for his decision, emphasising that it followed “prayerful contemplation and consultation with my family.”
“I have made this choice in good conscience and with profound respect for the sacred responsibilities of public service,” Usman stated.
He further clarified that his resignation “is driven purely by personal considerations and reflects no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate we have collectively pursued.”
The resignation was tendered in accordance with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON Act and has been formally submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his statement, Prof. Usman expressed deep gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
“I am eternally grateful for the profound trust and honour of appointing me to serve our nation and the Muslim ummah in this capacity. The confidence you placed in me is a privilege I will forever cherish,” he said.
He also thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “unwavering guidance, encouragement, and support,” and commended the NAHCON Board, management, and staff for their “collegiality, dedication, and shared sense of purpose.”
Highlighting the collaborative nature of Hajj operations, the former chairman acknowledged Nigeria’s State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, tour operators, aviation partners, and the Saudi Arabian authorities. He noted that their work “significantly enhanced Nigeriaโs Hajj operations.”
Prof. Usman concluded with prayers for the future, saying, “I ask Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy to accept our humble efforts, to guide and bless the President and the new leadership of NAHCON, and to grant all future pilgrims a Hajj Mabrur.”
The Presidency has yet to announce an interim or permanent successor. The resignation marks the end of Prof. Usman’s tenure at the helm of the commission responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s significant annual Hajj pilgrimage activities.
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