Tinubu Names Ex-Ambassador Ismail Yusuf as New Hajj Commission Boss Following Usman’s Shock Resignation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), appointing Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the agency’s new Chairman and CEO.

The announcement, made on Wednesday via a statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes less than 48 hours after the previous chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, unexpectedly threw in the towel. Ambassador Yusuf, a seasoned diplomat who recently concluded his tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to Türkiye, is expected to bring a “State of Harmony” back to an agency that has been rocked by internal petitions and administrative friction over the last two months.

“President Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate President requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf,” the statement read. “The President is confident that Yusuf’s diplomatic experience and administrative competence will enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s Hajj operations at this critical juncture.”

Professor Usman’s exit on Monday marked the end of a turbulent 14-month reign. While he officially cited “personal conviction” for his departure, insiders point to a massive fallout with the NAHCON board. In late January, 11 commissioners reportedly petitioned the President, accusing Usman of bypassing board approvals and failing to maintain transparency during the 2025 Hajj exercise. The crisis had become so severe that Vice President Kashim Shettima was forced to intervene in a series of reconciliation meetings just weeks ago.

The stakes for Ambassador Yusuf could not be higher. He inherits the commission just as the 2026 Hajj preparations hit a major roadblock, with the Saudi data-capture portal recently shutting down and leaving thousands of paid pilgrims in limbo.

The Senate is expected to screen the new nominee within the coming days. For Nigeria’s Muslim community, the hope is that this latest change in leadership will finally provide the stability needed to ensure a hitch-free 2026 pilgrimage.