Prof Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has officially announced his resignation in a statement issued in Abuja. He clarified that his departure was for personal reasons and denied any allegations of wrongdoing amid growing scrutiny. His resignation comes on the heels of a petition submitted by the NAHCON board, which reportedly called for his removal, citing significant breaches of financial conduct.

The petition, dated January 19, 2026, was signed by 11 board members and labeled "Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman." It listed a series of accusations against Usman, including financial indiscipline and lack of transparency. The board members alleged that he approved expenditures and awarded contracts without proper approval and beyond budgetary limits, actions that they deemed serious violations of financial governance standards.

Usman's departure raises questions about governance and accountability within NAHCON, particularly regarding the management of funds allocated for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. If the allegations detailed in the petition are substantiated, they could lead to broader calls for reform in the oversight of public agencies in Nigeria. This development might also influence how the new leadership at NAHCON addresses its future initiatives, especially concerning fiscal responsibility and transparency to restore public trust.