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 announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that a letter had been sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio seeking expedited confirmation of Yusuf.
Ambassador Yusuf, a seasoned career diplomat, served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. He is slated to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after just 14 months in office.
NAHCON, the federal agency responsible for coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, is currently preparing for the 2026 Hajj, making the appointment timely. The agency oversees the licensing of tour operators and ensures the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.
