Barring any last-minute change, the Senate is expected to adopt the recommendations of its committee on foreign affairs for the confirmation of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as substantive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The likelihood of confirmation of Prof. Usman as the new NAHCON boss follows his successful screening and subsequent glad tidings inferred by the committee led by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Tuesday, Professor Usman succinctly responded to inquiries about his wealth of knowledge regarding the hajj industry and ways to positively turn around the fortunes of the annual spiritual exercise.

After the questioning section, Senator Bello, who spoke on behalf of the committee, expressed confidence in the capacity of Prof. Usman to lead the Commission during its critical period.

A member of the committee and former Kebbi State governor expressed satisfaction with the academic background and extensive leadership experience of Professor Usman. He said the new NAHCON head is an asset who will reform the hajj system in Nigeria.

The Senator representing Kebbi Central subsequently moved a motion for the confirmation of Professor Usman as substantive chairman of NAHCON. The motion was seconded by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, another committee member.

Professor Usman expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Nigerian pilgrims and pledged to engage all stakeholders proactively.

“I am honoured by this trust and look forward to working collaboratively with the entire NAHCON team to fulfil the Commission’s mandate of providing efficient and effective services to the Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.

A statement by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, acting Head of Information and Publications at the commission, said Prof. Usman is an accomplished academician and seasoned administrator.

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“In addition to his academic credentials, Prof. Usman is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria and has served in advisory capacities on numerous state commissions. His expertise spans project management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, making him uniquely equipped to take on the challenges of the national assignment.

“He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious University of Madina, a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Peshawar University, Pakistan, and a Doctorate in Islamic Studies from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

“Professor Usman was the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board from 2019 to 2023, where he served for four years, overseeing several transformative initiatives that enhanced Hajj operations and expanded the board’s outreach,” the statement reads.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Professor Usman in August 2024 after the sack of Mal. Jalal Arabi, was accused of mismanagement of the N90 billion subsidy approved for the 2024 hajj.