President Bola Tinubu has made a leadership change at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) by sacking Jalal Arabi as it’s Executive Chairman.
He also appointed Professor Abdullahi Usman as his replacement.
This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesman of the president, Mr Ajuri Ngelale.
Ajuri in the statement highlighted Professor Usman’s extensive qualifications and experience in Islamic studies and Hajj operations.
Usman is an accomplished scholar, holding degrees from two renowned Islamic institutions, the University of Madinah and Peshawar University in Pakistan.
In addition to his academic achievements, Professor Usman brings a wealth of practical experience to the role.
He previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he managed the state’s Hajj operations, overseeing the largest quota of pilgrims in the country.
The appointment of Professor Usman as the new Chairman of NAHCON is subject to Senate confirmation.
President Tinubu has expressed high expectations for Usman, stressing the need for integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to the nation in his new role.
Newsband reported that on August 16, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it detained Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, over illegal withdrawal and the alleged mismanagement of the N90 billion 2024 Hajj intervention fund.
A total of SR314,098 was said to have been recovered from Arabi and other ranking officials.
The anti-graft agency said it discovered that, from the N90 billion Hajj subsidy, Arabi fraudulently overpaid himself and others above the necessary operational cost.