The Federal Government has appointed Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba as the new Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The appointment, announced today, February 11, 2026, follows the resignation of the former Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on February 9.
A seasoned career diplomat and the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, Abba’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. His selection comes at a critical juncture as preparations for the upcoming Hajj season reach an advanced stage.
A Legacy in Hajj Administration
Ambassador Abba is far from a stranger to the complexities of Hajj operations. Between 2002 and 2007, he anchored the secretariat of the Presidential Committees on Hajj (PCH), the body responsible for designing the framework that eventually birthed NAHCON in 2006.
His expertise is backed by international exposure; in 2005, he served as Secretary to the federal delegation that studied the highly efficient Hajj models of Malaysia and Indonesia. These findings were instrumental in establishing Nigeria’s Hajj Savings Scheme. Furthermore, he served as Secretary to the Federal Government Delegations (Amirul Hajj) in both 2012 and 2013.
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Diplomatic and Administrative Pedigree
Born in Mubi, Adamawa State, Abba holds a degree in Political Science from Usman Danfodio University. His 35-year career in the Foreign Service includes:
- Diplomatic Postings: Argentina, Italy, and China.
- Strategic Leadership: As Ambassador to Türkiye (2021–2025), he fast-tracked bilateral collaborations in defense, trade, and industrial security.
- Presidential Oversight: He served as Special Assistant on Presidential Matters in the Office of the Chief of Staff (2011–2013), managing high-level memos and presidential programs.
NAHCON Pledges Support
The Management of NAHCON, through Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, has welcomed the appointment. The Commission called on all stakeholders to extend their full cooperation to the new Chairman to ensure a seamless transition and a successful pilgrimage season.