NAHCON chairman resigns amid alleged misappropriation

NAHCON chairman resigns amid alleged misappropriation

Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh has relinquished his position as Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) amid management crisis and alleged mismanagement of Hajj funds

The embattled former NAHCON boss tendered his resignation letter after the working hours on Monday shortly after the Saudi Arabia authorities turn down resignation for Hajj 2026.

The letter of resignation said to have addressed to the President has not been made public. Also, the commission has not denied the resignation. Meanwhile, the reason for the sudden action is still sketchy.

An impeccable source however told The Guardian that Professor Saleh succumbed to mounting pressure after series of petitions hinged on poor management and reckless spending of public funds gotten heightened.

The respected Islamic scholar and Professor of Arabic stepped down of NAHCON after executing first major Hajj operation and exactly 18 months upon assumption of office.

The former NAHCON boss was appointed in 2024 to manage the corrupt riddlen seat after the sack of his immediate predecessor Barr. Jalal Arabi who was equally accused of misappropriation of N90 billion Hajj subsidy.

Like Arabi, Professor Saleh was accused of misappropriating N15 billion Hajj resources and additional N2 billion allocation meant for pilgrims accommodation during 2025 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to his resignation, the board of NAHCON recently passed a vote of no confidence on the leadership of Professor Saleh over what they described as incompetent leadership style and lack of transparency in the management of Hajj affirms.

Although Saleh through his media handlers had debunked the allegations as lacking in merit, the former NAHCON boss accused the board members of witch hunt.