By Mahmoud Muhammad Bureau Chief North-West
The board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate removal of its chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman (widely known as “Pakistan”).
In a letter dated 19 January 2026, all serving commissioners—from every geopolitical zone and major Islamic bodies—expressed a “vote of no confidence,” citing:
– *Financial indiscipline* – repeated spending of commission funds without board approval and contracts awarded far beyond budgeted limits, breaching public‑financial regulations.
– *Procurement violations* – several Hajj‑related contracts signed without the mandatory “No Objection Certificate” from the Bureau of Public Procurement, contravening the BPP Act.
– *Corruption and diplomatic strain* – irregularities that have created tension with Saudi Arabian authorities, contributing to a cut in Nigeria’s pilgrim quota from 95,000 (2025) to 50,000 (2026).
– *Poor leadership* – a style marked by limited consultation, weak coordination and disregard for due process, which the board says jeopardises upcoming Hajj operations and overall commission credibility.
The petition, signed by commissioners such as Prof. Abubakar A. Yagawal, Prince Anofi Elegushi and others, notes that Prof. Usman is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for extra‑budgetary expenditures and unauthorised disbursements. Earlier reports (Oct 2025) highlighted internal discontent over his concentration of decision‑making power, allegedly relying on his brother Sirajo Salisu Usman and associate Abdumaik Diigi, while sidelining executive commissioners. Prof. Usman has previously dismissed such complaints as “bitterness” over travel or personal benefits, and attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
Would you like more details on the specific contracts under scrutiny, the status of the EFCC investigation, or how this crisis could affect Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj preparations?
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