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).
The President formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm the appointment in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday. Yusuf is slated to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned from the position earlier this week after serving for 14 months.
Legislative Approval Required
The nomination follows the legal requirements established in the NAHCON Act of 2006. Under section 3(2) of the Act, the appointment must receive formal confirmation from the Senate before the nominee can officially assume his duties.
President Tinubu has urged the upper legislative chamber to prioritize the confirmation process. The administration is seeking an expeditious approval to ensure leadership stability within the commission, which oversees the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Diplomatic Background of Nominee
Ambassador Yusuf joins the commission following an extensive career in Nigeria’s foreign service. He most recently served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye.
His tenure in Ankara spanned from 2021 to 2024, providing him with significant experience in international relations and administrative leadership. Government officials view his diplomatic background as a key asset for managing the complex logistics of the Hajj.
This is DNN. Development News Network.
