President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to Senate confirmation.

The nomination was conveyed in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting expedited confirmation, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Yusuf is expected to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned earlier this week after spending about 14 months in office.

According to the Presidency, the appointment is in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, which requires Senate approval before it takes effect.

The new nominee is a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

Usman’s exit comes at a critical time for the commission as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON is the federal agency charged with the regulation and coordination of Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria, including the licensing of tour operators and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims.