President Tinubu Nominates Former Ambassador as New NAHCON Chairman
President Bola Tinubu has officially announced the nomination of Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. This significant appointment was made public through a formal statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Nomination Subject to Senate Approval
The presidential statement clearly indicated that Ambassador Yusuf's appointment is contingent upon confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. This procedural requirement aligns perfectly with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act of 2026, which mandates legislative oversight for such high-level appointments.
President Tinubu has formally forwarded the nomination to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging the upper legislative chamber to expedite the confirmation process. The administration emphasized the importance of swift action to ensure continuity in the commission's leadership.
Replacing the Previous Chairman
If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Yusuf will succeed Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned from the position earlier in the week after serving for approximately fourteen months. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for the commission, which oversees Nigeria's participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Ambassador Yusuf's Diplomatic Background
The nominee brings substantial diplomatic experience to the position, having served as Nigeria's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey from 2021 through 2024. His extensive career in foreign service positions him as a seasoned diplomat capable of navigating the complex international dimensions of Hajj administration.
As a career diplomat with years of service to the nation, Ambassador Yusuf's nomination reflects the administration's commitment to placing experienced professionals in key leadership roles. His understanding of international relations and protocol will be particularly valuable in managing Nigeria's relationships with Saudi Arabian authorities and other stakeholders in the Hajj ecosystem.
The National Hajj Commission plays a crucial role in coordinating Nigeria's participation in the annual pilgrimage, ensuring proper organization, welfare, and compliance with international regulations. This appointment signals the Tinubu administration's focus on maintaining efficient and effective management of this important religious and diplomatic undertaking.
