NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Nigerian Muslim Coalition Urges Tinubu to Restore NAHCON Supervision to SGF Office, Citing Risks of Politicisation

A coalition of Nigerian Muslim stakeholders has written to President Bola Tinubu demanding the reversal of the current supervisory arrangement placing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under the Office of the Vice President. The group insists that the NAHCON Act of 2006 assigns coordination to the Presidency through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), warning that the 2023 restructuring exposes Hajj operations to political influence and administrative instability. They urged Tinubu to order a formal review, restore SGF oversight, and prevent future politically-driven restructuring, stressing that consistent and professional management is vital for the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON has signed a pivotal agreement to expand the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), moving beyond a single bank to partner with a consortium of multiple banks across Nigeria. This strategic expansion is designed to make saving for Hajj easier, more accessible, and financially inclusive for intending pilgrims, promising a significantly smoother registration and saving process for the upcoming season.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reduced the 2026 Hajj fares following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to make the pilgrimage more affordable.

Under the revised rates, pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay ₦7.58 million (down ₦748,104), those from the Northern Zone ₦7.69 million (down ₦760,915), and those from the Southern Zone ₦7.99 million (down ₦792,943).

NAHCON announced December 5, 2025, as the payment deadline for intending pilgrims and advised them to complete payments early for smooth processing.

Pilgrimage: Saudi Arabia Slashes Nigeria’s Hajj Quota to 66,910 for 2026.

Saudi Arabia has slashed Nigeria’s Hajj allocation from 95,000 to 66,910 slots, effective from 2026.

According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the reduction followed Nigeria’s failure to fully utilize its previous allocations during the 2024 and 2025 pilgrimages.

A statement signed by NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that the new figure reflects the actual capacity reserved for Nigeria on the NUSUK Masar portal. “Although Nigeria was initially allocated 95,000 slots, only 66,910 are now available for the 2026 Hajj due to underutilization in previous years,” she stated.

The decision was revealed during a meeting between NAHCON and state officials to deliberate on Hajj costing and other critical matters.

Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, added that future allocations to states will be adjusted based on their performance and utilization during the 2025 exercise.

In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, urged collaboration among state officials to ensure a smooth Hajj operation in 2026 and emphasized the need for strict adherence to medical screening requirements, which Saudi authorities consider crucial.

NAHCON also disclosed that negotiations were underway to reduce some cost components, including cargo handling charges, to lessen the financial strain on intending pilgrims.

EXCLUSIVE: EFCC has detained Sirajo Salisu Usman, brother of NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman (aka Pakistan), over alleged ₦50bn Hajj funds fraud.

Nicknamed “de facto chairman”, Sirajo allegedly approved major financial dealings without the chairman’s knowledge. EFCC is probing inflated Hajj expenditures, including ₦25bn on tents, ₦1.6bn on spouses, and ₦8bn wasted on unused Makkah houses.

Insiders accuse him of micromanaging NAHCON by controlling memos and approvals, with staff now demanding a full forensic investigation.

#EFCC #Hajj2025 #Corruption

Saudi Arabia Warns Nigerian Pilgrims: Hajj Without Valid Visa Attracts N8.15m Fine, Jail Term

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned that anyone caught performing the 2026 Hajj without a valid visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (≈N8.15m) and imprisonment.

The warning was issued during a virtual meeting between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to review preparations.

Saudi officials stressed strict compliance with deadlines, including:

MoU signing: November 2025

Camp booking/service contracts: January 4, 2026

Transport & accommodation uploads: February 1, 2026

Final visa issuance: 1st of Shawwal

They also mandated that all sacrificial rites (Hadaya) and bookings be completed via the Nusuk Masar platform.

NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman pledged adherence to ensure smooth coordination for Nigerian pilgrims.

#Hajj2026 #SaudiArabia #Nigeria

2025 Hajj: Last Plane Lands In Kaduna;
NAHCON Concludes Pilgrims' Return Operations.

The last flight of the Nigerian Pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia has safely landed at Kaduna International Airport.

This marks the successful conclusion of the return airlift operations by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria following the completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The final flight which departed King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah at about half past ten in the morning had 88 pilgrims onboard.

A statement issued by the NAHCON Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara quoted the Commission Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman as expressing profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the smooth and successful Hajj exercise.

He attributed the success to the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated by the State Pilgrims' Welfare Boards, officials, airline operators and other service providers, as well as obedience of the pilgrims to the laid down guidelines.

The Chairman urged the returning pilgrims to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders at all levels.

The return leg operation spanned 20 days after commencing on 13th of June, 2025.

Heat Alert in Mecca: NAHCON Urges Nigerian Pilgrims to Stay Indoors Between 10AM–4PM Amid Soaring Saudi Temperatures

No One Should Curse Tinubu, Governors, Other Leaders in Mecca – NAHCON Ulama Team Tells Hajj Pilgrims

As the 2025 Hajj season unfolds, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ulama team has issued a timely reminder to Nigerian pilgrims: Mecca is a sacred space for worship, not a platform for political grievances.

The scholars urged pilgrims to refrain from cursing or insulting President Bola Tinubu, state governors, or any other political leaders during their time in the holy land. They emphasized that the essence of Hajj is spiritual purification, supplication, and deep reflection—not condemnation.

“Pilgrims are encouraged to pray for the country and its leaders rather than curse them,” said one member of the NAHCON Ulama team. “This is a moment for unity, not division.”

The message is clear: uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage by focusing on faith and humility. Mecca is a place to seek blessings—not to express political frustrations.

#Hajj2025 #NAHCON #Tinubu #Mecca #HajjPilgrims