Shettima Summons NAHCON Boss, Questions Solo Leadership Style in Hajj Preparations
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with the commission’s board members, to a meeting to address concerns over preparations for the 2025 Hajj and internal leadership disputes.
The meeting, scheduled for 1:30 PM today at the Vice President’s Conference Room, comes amid complaints about Prof. Usman’s leadership.
A letter signed by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), directed Usman to present a detailed briefing on the commission’s readiness and unresolved internal issues.
The NAHCON chairman has been accused of excluding board members from decision-making and operating without consultation. Vice President Shettima has described the situation as a violation of the law governing the commission.
In a letter dated March 17, 2025, Shettima warned against the marginalisation of commissioners and breaches of procurement procedures.
The letter referenced a petition from eight non-permanent commissioners representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and Islamic groups such as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI).
The commissioners accused Prof. Usman of bypassing oversight structures, appointing aides without board consent, and making decisions affecting pilgrims’ welfare without consultation.
Shettima stated that “the NAHCON Act does not envisage a sole administrator role,” adding that “each board member has a statutory responsibility to the constituency they represent.” He said continued exclusion of commissioners would make their roles meaningless and violate the commission’s rules.
Staff of the commission also raised complaints. Members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria accused Usman of favouritism and mismanagement, particularly in staff placement and internal administration. Their letter, dated March 3, 2025, said the chairman was ignoring procedures and fostering a difficult work environment.
There are also allegations that Prof. Usman appointed family members to key roles, including his son, Aliyu, as personal assistant; his brother, Surajo, as special adviser; and his nephew, Abdulmalik Diggi, as deputy director of accounts.
Shettima criticised the chairman’s decision to rehire former staff and bring in external civil servants, saying the actions could displace current employees and affect morale.
He also objected to the way official correspondence was delivered to the State House, calling it a breach of protocol.
Some NAHCON staff said Shettima’s intervention was “long overdue,” while others described Prof. Usman’s leadership as “toxic” and unhelpful to Hajj operations.
The meeting is expected to determine the commission’s direction ahead of the 2025 pilgrimage.
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