There is disquiet at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) following fresh allegations of mismanagement against Prof Abdullah Usma Saleh, the current Chairman of the commission.
Some insiders, who spoke with SaharaReporters on Monday, raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities, and political interference in the Commission’s affairs.
According to multiple sources within NAHCON familiar with the developments, the Chairman is alleged to have sidelined the Executive Commissioners, concentrating decision-making authority in the hands of a few close associates.
These allegedly included his younger brother, Mr. Usman Sirajo, and one Mr. Abdumaik Diigi — who reportedly handle key administrative and operational decisions without full board consultation.
Insiders claim this development has led to weakened structures and a breakdown of internal accountability within the commission.
It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was reported to be investigating the Chairman for extra-budgetary expenditures, gross misconduct, and breach of executive procedures, with preliminary findings reportedly indicating unauthorised disbursements and unilateral financial commitments.
Adding to the growing tension, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, through Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with NAHCON’s performance during the 2025 Hajj operations, citing poor coordination and allegations of corruption involving one Abdulai Usman, also known as “Pakistan.”
Sources also stated that some Board Members of the Commission have submitted petitions to the Office of the Vice President and the National Assembly, complaining of administrative incompetence.
They further allege that the leadership under Pakistan compromised due process in dealings with service providers, leading to the alleged loss of several billions of naira.
There are also allegations of complicity against the Office of the Vice President, with some insiders claiming that the weakness of the current chairman created an avenue for external interference and micromanagement of the commission’s affairs.
Stakeholders and observers within the Hajj and religious affairs sector are calling for a thorough, independent investigation to restore integrity and public trust in NAHCON’s operations.
In August, SaharaReporters reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Mr. Sirajo Salisu Usman, brother of the Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Saleh Usman (also known as “Pakistan”), over alleged fraud involving billions of naira.
Sirajo was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja. He had previously been questioned earlier in the month, alongside other senior officials of the Commission.
Sources within the EFCC revealed that Mr. Usman had spent the night in EFCC custody in Abuja.
In July, SaharaReporters revealed that the Nigerian government may have walked straight into a financial black hole, as fresh documents indicated that NAHCON could have lost billions of naira during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
SaharaReporters had learnt that the potential loss stemmed from negligence, inflated contracts, and questionable dealings involving bed spaces and service providers in Saudi Arabia.
A detailed examination of official documents and press statements issued by NAHCON indicates that 14,179 bed spaces in Mina — a critical stop during the Hajj pilgrimage — were paid for but left unused.
Of the 52,544 bed spaces reportedly secured for pilgrims under state quotas, only 41,568 were used. Tour operators also utilized just 13,217 out of 16,263 spaces, leaving a total of 2,046 unused.
By Saudi regulations, these should have been cancelled and refunded on or before 16 Dhul Qadah (May 14, 2025).
However, multiple sources within the Commission confirmed that Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, failed to apply for the refunds despite persistent reminders.
“Despite frequent reminders on this issue, the NAHCON Chairman deliberately allowed the deadline to lapse due to negligence, absence of technical know-how, lack of capacity, coupled with the fact that all official communications have to be translated to him in Hausa,” a top official had alleged.