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 announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser 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 Senate confirmation in accordance with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act.

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

His nomination comes shortly after the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman on Monday, who stepped down 14 months into his tenure.

Usman’s departure occurred at a critical time, with preparations for the 2026 Hajj already underway.

NAHCON is responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including the licensing of tour operators and safeguarding the welfare of pilgrims.

The Senate is expected to review and confirm Yusuf’s nomination to ensure continuity in the commission’s operations.

The federal government emphasized that the timely confirmation of the new chairman is crucial for effective Hajj planning and execution.