President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The nomination was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Tinubu sent a letter today to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week, after about 14 months in the post,” the statement read.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.

Ambassador Yusuf is a seasoned diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

His nomination follows the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman on Monday, barely 14 months into his tenure. Usman’s exit comes at a crucial period for the commission as preparations for the 2026 Hajj are already underway.

NAHCON is the federal agency responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria. The commission oversees the licensing of tour operators and ensures the welfare and smooth pilgrimage experience of Nigerian pilgrims.