BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The appointment, announced on Wednesday, is subject to confirmation by the Senate in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President has formally written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf.

The letter seeks to replace Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who resigned earlier this week after serving approximately 14 months at the helm of the commission.

According to the Presidency, Ambassador Yusuf is a seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience in international relations. He served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye between 2021 and 2024.

His appointment comes barely 48 hours after Professor Usman stepped down from office, a development that has triggered fresh leadership changes within the agency responsible for organising Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON plays a critical role in coordinating pilgrimage activities, liaising with Saudi authorities, and ensuring the welfare and smooth participation of Nigerian pilgrims in the annual Hajj exercise.

With preparations for upcoming pilgrimage activities already underway, attention now shifts to the Senate for confirmation proceedings that will formally usher Ambassador Yusuf into office.