President Bola Tinubu has nominated Amb Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday. This appointment follows the recent sudden resignation of the former chairman, Prof Abdullahi Usman, which has raised alarms among Hajj operators about potential disruptions to preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The timely selection of a new chairman is critical to ensuring the effective management of the upcoming pilgrimage activities.

The nomination of Amb Yusuf will require confirmation from the Nigerian Senate, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the announcement regarding Yusuf's appointment and urged for a prompt Senate confirmation. The urgency of this appointment is underscored by the looming schedule for the Hajj, which necessitates efficient leadership to handle the intricacies associated with the event.

Amb Ismail Yusuf is noted to be a seasoned career diplomat, having previously held the position of Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Philippines. His diplomatic experience is expected to play a vital role in steering NAHCON through the challenges ahead, especially following the unexpected resignation of Usman. The new chairman's leadership will be essential in reassuring stakeholders that the 2026 Hajj plans can proceed smoothly despite the recent upheaval within the commission's leadership.