Tinubu removes Arabi, Abdullahi Usman Succeeds
By Abdullahi Yusuf
President Bola Tinubu has made a significant leadership change at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) by relieving Jalal Arabi of his duties as Executive Chairman and appointing Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as his successor.
The announcement was made by the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, who highlighted Professor Usman’s extensive qualifications and experience in Islamic studies and Hajj operations. Professor Usman is an accomplished scholar, holding degrees from two prestigious 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 removal of Mallam Arabi from his position as Executive Chairman came amid serious allegations of financial mismanagement. This move comes in the wake of an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into Arabi’s handling of N90 billion in Hajj subsidies.
On August 16, the EFCC detained both Arabi and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, as part of an inquiry into alleged illegal withdrawals and financial irregularities related to the 2024 Hajj intervention fund.
The EFCC’s probe has led to the recovery of a significant amount of SR314,098 from Arabi and other high-ranking officials.
The investigation has revealed that Arabi and his associates may have fraudulently overpaid themselves from the subsidy funds, surpassing the necessary operational costs and raising concerns about financial integrity within the commission.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Professor Usman as the new Chairman of NAHCON is subject to Senate confirmation. President Tinubu has expressed high expectations for Usman, emphasizing the need for integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to the nation in his new role.
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