The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman, has resigned from his position.

Although reports suggest that the resignation followed a petition submitted by the NAHCON board to President Bola Tinubu over alleged abuses and misconduct, the exact reason for Usman’s decision has not been officially disclosed.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Technical Assistant (Media) to the NAHCON chairman, Ahmad Mu’azu, said the resignation was communicated late on Monday night, but details surrounding it were still unclear.

“Yes, he has resigned, but I am still waiting for him to communicate his reasons, because he just sent a one-line message to us last night (Monday night), informing us of his resignation. I think proper communication will be done this morning,” Mu’azu said.

The reported petition by the board followed what it described as prolonged internal observations and repeated attempts at corrective engagement. According to the board, these efforts failed to resolve concerns that allegedly affected the credibility, stability and operational effectiveness of the commission.

In a petition dated January 19, 2026, and signed by 11 board members, the NAHCON board reportedly passed a vote of no confidence in Usman. The petition accused him of financial indiscipline, lack of transparency, and repeatedly approving expenditures and awarding contracts without board approval, allegedly exceeding approved budgetary limits.

Before his resignation, Usman’s last known official engagement was last week, when he received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Abuja.

Professor Usman was appointed chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.