The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the resignation of the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Saleh Usman, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Prof. Usman allegedly resigned from office amid mounting controversies and allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities. His resignation followed petitions and public complaints, including one submitted by HEDA to anti-graft agencies, calling for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption and breaches of procurement processes within the Commission.
In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said while it acknowledges the resignation as a necessary step for a public office holder it does not absolve any public official of accountability.
“The resignation of Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman is a welcome development and an important first step in addressing the serious allegations that have trailed his tenure. However, resignation must not replace accountability. We urge relevant anti-corruption agencies to proceed with a full and thorough investigation and ensure prosecution where evidence establishes wrongdoing,” Suraju stated.
HEDA further specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intensify investigations into the allegations raised in its petition and other complaints concerning NAHCON’s operations.
The civil society organisation stressed that the management of Hajj funds and operations is a matter of public trust, noting that any misuse of resources meant for Nigerian pilgrims undermines confidence in public institutions.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman of NAHCON. HEDA expressed hope that the new leadership would prioritise transparency, due process, and institutional reforms to reposition the Commission. The president and anti-corruption should recommend reforms of the internal operations of the Hajj Commission to prevent corrupt practices and abuse of office. The Commission has recently been in the public discourse for the wrong reasons lately.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability in public institutions and ensuring that allegations of corruption are thoroughly investigated and addressed in accordance with the law.
About The Author
