• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

However, insiders noted that Ambassador Yusuf has already begun overseeing the commission's activities without the completion of the constitutional process. The newly nominated Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has assumed office and begun performing the duties of Chief Executive Officer despite not yet receiving confirmation from the Nigerian Senate, SaharaReporters has learnt. Under the provisions of the NAHCON (Establishment) Act, 2006, the appointment of a chairman must be confirmed by the Senate before the nominee can fully assume the position. However, insiders noted that Ambassador Yusuf has already begun overseeing the commission's activities without the completion of the constitutional process. President Bola Tinubu announced Yusuf's nomination on February 11, 2026, following the resignation of former NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman. In the official announcement, the Presidency clearly stated that the appointment was "subject to Senate confirmation" in accordance with the law. The formal request for confirmation was later transmitted to the Senate on February 16, 2026. In a letter read during plenary, President Tinubu cited Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act and urged lawmakers to confirm the nomination. Despite the request still pending before the chamber, sources confirm that Yusuf has already begun operating from the commission's headquarters and carrying out functions reserved for a confirmed chairman. On February 23 and 24, 2026, just days after the Senate received the President's letter, Ambassador Yusuf reportedly presided over a strategic stakeholders' meeting at NAHCON's headquarters in Abuja. During the meeting, he issued directives to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, including instructions regarding refunds to pilgrims and data reconciliation for the 2026 Hajj exercise. "Until the Senate grants its approval, a nominee legally remains only a nominee and does not possess the authority to direct the affairs of a federal agency," a source noted. "Until the Senate gives its advice and consent, the nominee does not have the legal standing to exercise the powers of the office." Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act explicitly states that the appointment of the chairman and members of the commission is subject to Senate confirmation. The Presidency itself reiterated this requirement shortly after the nomination was announced, emphasising that the appointment would only take effect after legislative approval. Sources within the commission also claim that Yusuf has begun engaging with NAHCON's financial and procurement departments, a development that raised questions about compliance with the Public Procurement Act and federal financial regulations. "This is not just about procedure," one legal practitioner said. "If decisions are taken by someone who has not been legally confirmed to occupy that office, those actions could be challenged in court." Another concern relates to preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise. NAHCON is currently coordinating contracts with aviation service providers responsible for transporting Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, with the first flight scheduled for May 1, 2026. Industry insiders say Yusuf has already participated in meetings with aviation partners and stakeholders, as well as discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. "Any agreement or memorandum signed under his authority before Senate confirmation could face legal scrutiny if challenged, particularly since the NAHCON Act places such responsibilities under a properly constituted commission board led by a confirmed chairman," another staff noted. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has already screened the nominee following the transmission of the President's letter. However, screening by a committee does not constitute confirmation, which must be decided by the full Senate in plenary. As of the time of filing this report, the Senate had not yet voted to confirm Yusuf's nomination. Yusuf is not new to the institution. Between 2002 and 2007, he served in roles linked to the Presidential Committees on Hajj that helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of NAHCON. His familiarity with the commission's regulatory framework has therefore raised further questions among critics about why the confirmation process appears to have been bypassed. For now, attention remains on the Senate, which must decide whether to confirm the nomination or raise further questions about the process. Source: https://saharareporters.com/2026/03/06/nigerian-senate-yet-confirm-nahcon-chairman-abba-yusuf-weeks-after-taking-over-office