Tinubu Names New NAHCON Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf to lead the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) as its new Chairman/CEO.

This was made known in a statement on Wednesday by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said the appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026.

Yusuf replaces Sheikh Abdullahi Pakistan, who resigned earlier in the week.

“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.

“Ambassador Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024,” the statement from the presidency read in part.

Sheikh Abdullahi Pakistan, on Monday night, resigned his position as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Pakistan announced his resignation in a personally signed statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, revealing that his exit from the commission took effect from Monday, February 9, 2026 ans is based on personal reasons.

Pakistan disclosed that his resignation had been formally communicated to President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON Establishment Act, 2006.

He thanked the President for entrusting him with the leadership of the commission.

He also extended his appreciation to Vice President Kashim Shettima for what he described as “unwavering guidance, encouragement, and support” during his tenure.