Tinubu sacks Arabi, appoints Prof. Usman as new Chairman of NAHCON

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Jalal Arabi and appointed Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Arabi was appointed as Chairman of NAHCON by Tinubu in October 2023.

The presidency did not give reason for his sack less than a year he was made NAHCON chairman.

However, the appointment of Usman is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Monday.

The statement said the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Ngelale stated that President Tinubu expected the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.

Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence — the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.

He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.