Tinubu sacks Arabi, appoints Usman as new NAHCON Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has relieved Jalal Arabi from his position as executive chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new chairman of the Commission.

Recall that Arabi is currently facing an investigation by the Economic and Financial Times Commission (EFCC) over the management of funds regarding the recently concluded 2024 Hajj exercise.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale,  Presidential spokesman, on Monday evening, says 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 the Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.

“The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“The President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation,” the statement added.