The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, recently undertook a crucial working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he successfully dismantled a major scheme aimed at misappropriating billions of naira from the 2026 Hajj operations.
Some individuals had conspired with certain service providers to reduce the quality of services for pilgrims, intending to divert huge sums of money into their own pockets. They attempted to alter existing contractual agreements, but Professor Usman’s intervention put an end to the plot.
He did not return to Nigeria until he ensured that the scheme was completely neutralized and took all necessary measures in Saudi Arabia to protect the interests and dignity of Nigerian pilgrims. He stood firm to ensure that no pilgrim was subjected to any hardship and that every naira paid by pilgrims was properly utilized.
Even before his return, it was clear that blocking this scheme would anger those involved, who might attempt to malign him or remove him from office for preventing them from carrying out their plans.
In truth, Professor Usman’s tenure in this role serves as a major safeguard and protection for Nigerian pilgrims nationwide.
