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  • NAHCON in Turmoil as Usman Resigns, Stakeholders Demand Total Overhaul

    NAHCON in Turmoil as Usman Resigns, Stakeholders Demand Total Overhaul

    Nigeria’s Hajj industry is once again under intense scrutiny following the resignation of Prof. Abdullahi Usman as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with stakeholders calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission.

    Usman’s resignation, which takes effect Monday, was announced on Wednesday in Abuja. He cited personal reasons for stepping down after about 14 months in office.

    However, industry experts argue that his exit reflects deeper structural and political tensions that have continued to destabilize the commission.

    Recurring Leadership Changes Raise Concern

    Within the last two years, NAHCON has witnessed three leadership changes, a trend stakeholders describe as troubling for the stability of Hajj operations.

    Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan served as NAHCON Chairman from December 2019 to October 2023 following his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    During his tenure, the commission navigated the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, introduced the Hajj Savings Scheme, and established the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.

    Hassan was replaced by Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 17, 2023, for a four-year term. Arabi was later removed amid an investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds released for the 2024 Hajj exercise.

    Following those allegations, Tinubu appointed Usman in October 2024. His tenure, however, was marked by internal disputes and allegations concerning financial management during the 2025 Hajj, generating public scrutiny and tension within the commission.

    “Campaign of Calumny” — Experts React

    Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a Hajj industry expert, said the frequent leadership changes highlight entrenched discord within and outside the sector.

    “Yes, Prof. Abdullahi Usman has resigned. Whether voluntary or forced is immaterial,” he said.

    “What remains indisputable is that anyone overseeing the Hajj industry in Nigeria faces a campaign of calumny from within and outside the sector. Within two years, NAHCON has changed leadership three times. Shall we continue this way?”

    He dismissed claims that Usman lacked administrative competence, arguing that fluency in Arabic or clerical background had never been a defining criterion for success in managing Hajj operations.

    “To argue that modern Hajj operations require less Arabic fluency is baseless. Were previous chairmen deficient in administrative skills?” he queried.

    He added that past chairmen also faced allegations ranging from abuse of office to political interference, suggesting systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings.

    Call for Sole Administrator

    Another expert, Abdullahi Mohammad, advocated for a radical administrative intervention.

    According to him, NAHCON requires a “no-nonsense” reform strategy, potentially through the appointment of a sole administrator with full authority to restructure the commission.

    “The administrator must insulate the Hajj process from material interests and political interference. Only a radical administrative reset can restore diligence, transparency and service to pilgrims,” he said.

    Concerns Over 2026 Hajj Operations

    Muhammed Ibrahim, Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, described Usman’s exit as unfortunate but not unexpected, noting that most pre-Hajj activities, including registration and airline contracts, had already been completed.

    “Given the discord, it may be best to allow the chairman step down to avoid conflicts affecting pilgrims,” he said.

    He recommended that an experienced insider oversee ongoing operations to ensure continuity until after the Hajj, when a substantive appointment can be made.

    Operators Lament Slot Allocation Issues

    Alhaji Abdullateef Yusuf, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, pointed to challenges surrounding the allocation of additional Hajj slots.

    “Many members paid millions for hotels and tickets in Saudi Arabia, amounting to billions of naira. Slots promised were later withdrawn, and there is still no clarity. Our operators are in serious limbo,” he said.

    He urged the government to appoint a calm, reputable and experienced individual with integrity, warning against politically motivated appointments.

    Tinubu Nominates New Chairman

    In response to the resignation, President Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.

    The nomination, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate under Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act 2006, was conveyed in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

    The President confirmed that he had written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio seeking expeditious confirmation of the nominee.

    Ambassador Yusuf is a career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

    As stakeholders await Senate action, many insist that beyond leadership changes, what NAHCON urgently needs is structural reform to restore credibility, transparency and stability to Nigeria’s Hajj operations.

  • Senate Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Probes Kebbi Troop Pullout

    Senate Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Probes Kebbi Troop Pullout

    By Caroline Ameh | Abuja

    The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States, resolving to probe the alleged withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school hours before a major abduction.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, who described the escalating attacks on schools, worship centres, and rural communities as a national emergency requiring immediate federal action.

    Senators Decry Widening Attacks

    Lawmakers lamented the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others, all later rescued in coordinated security operations.

    They noted that the attack led to the temporary closure of schools in five local government areas across Kwara, as well as parts of Niger and Kebbi States, affecting 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

    The Senate also condemned the growing pattern of school kidnappings, including recent abductions in Niger and Kebbi States, warning that educational and religious institutions had become increasingly vulnerable to banditry and terrorism.

    Controversy Over Troop Withdrawal

    Lawmakers were particularly alarmed by credible reports that military personnel were withdrawn from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, just hours before the abduction of 24 female students.
    They demanded a transparent investigation into the decision and those responsible.

    Contributing to the debate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) urged his colleagues to confront insecurity “head-on and without reference to the past.”


    He insisted that the Senate must uncover who authorised the withdrawal of troops from the school before the attack.

    Abaribe’s position was strongly supported by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other lawmakers, who called for urgent and coordinated security action.

    Intelligence Points to Internal Sabotage

    The motion also cited intelligence reports indicating that internal collaborators continue to aid criminal networks with logistics, information, and escape routes.


    Senators warned that terrorists were exploiting forest corridors such as the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara stretch, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt to carry out attacks and evade arrest.

    They further raised concern over the deplorable state of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway, which they said provides bandits with ambush points, easy escape routes, and concealment within thick forests.

    Tinubu Commended for Swift Response

    Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cautioned against rising public speculation over the release of kidnap victims, urging a review of the performance of Senate security committees.
    He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration does not and will not support ransom payments to abductors.

    The Senate commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his “swift and personal intervention,” including cancelling planned foreign trips to coordinate national security efforts.


    It also lauded security agencies for the rescue of 38 abductees in Kwara and 51 students in Niger State.

    Key Resolutions

    The Senate resolved to:

    • Urge communities in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and across the country to remain vigilant and expose collaborators aiding criminal groups.
    • Commend President Tinubu and security agencies for swift interventions while calling for sustained rescue operations until all abductees are freed.
    • Mandate the immediate reconstruction of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway to curb ambushes and improve mobility for security forces.
    • Direct the Army, Police, DSS, and Defence Intelligence Bureau to intensify intelligence-driven operations, forest combing, and cross-state collaboration.
    • Establish a Joint Task Force (JTF) along the Kwara–Kogi corridor with forward operating bases in Eruku, Babanla, Oke-Ero, and Isanlu.
    • Instruct the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and NEMA to provide relief materials to affected families where schools remain closed.
    • Launch a 14-day Senate investigation into the surge in insecurity, including the alleged role of internal collaborators.
    • Strengthen local vigilante networks and review Nigeria’s firearms laws in line with global best practices.
    • Conduct a separate probe into the troop withdrawal from the Kebbi school before the abduction.
    • Pursue diplomatic engagement with the U.S. and allied nations to improve intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism support.
    • Observe a two-minute silence in honour of all victims of recent attacks.

  • Kogi Central commence recall process of erstwhile favorite senator

    Kogi Central commence recall process of erstwhile favorite senator

    Some registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District on Monday submitted a petition to commence the recall process of their erstwhile favourite Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The petition was submitted at Abuja headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The constituents, in a letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, declared that they no longer have confidence in Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan currently serving a 6-month suspension.

    In a sudden turn of events the registers voters said they no longer want Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

    The petitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, urged INEC to act with urgency and impartiality in processing the petition.

    “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian senate.

    “In particular, this petition for the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions,’’ the petitioners stated.

    They said that the petition arose from the constituents’ loss of confidence in the senator on grounds of gross misconduct in the senate, abuse of office, evasion of due process and lack of respect for the presiding officer.

    According to them, the petition was signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central senatorial district.

    “We hereby demand that INEC immediately commences the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,’’ the petition stated.

    Speaking with the newsmen after the submission of the petition, the lead petitioner expressed confidence that the process would be the first successful recall process in Nigeria.

    “This will be the first recall that will be successful. The good people of Kogi Central have spoken with one voice.

    “It is simple; we need a credible representative; we need a credible senator who can speak the minds of the good people of Kogi Central,’’ he said.

    Habib denied the allegation that former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, was the one instigating the recall process.

    “ Bello is not here. Habib is here. Many youths are here. Many women are here. I can’t see Yahaya Bello here,’’ he said.

    A member of the group, Mrs Charity Omole, said that the entire people of Kogi Central senatorial district could not afford not to have a representative in the senate for the next six months.

    “ We have come to recall her so that we can have a representative in the senate because as a people, we cannot afford not to have a representative in the senate arm for another one year.

    “So we are here to tell INEC to please follow the constitutional process so that her recall process can begin; that is why we are here,’’ she said.

    Omole said that the group had more than the required number of petitioners to begin the recall process.

    She denied being bankrolled by anybody, saying: “We are the ones who voted her and we are saying we don’t want her anymore.’’

    Another petitioner, Hamza Yakubu, urged INEC to speedily swing into action and review the petition submitted to it on the commencement of the recall process, in line with the provisions of the constitution.

    Yakubu also urged the people of the senatorial district to be calm as the recalling process continued.

    “My message to the people of Kogi Central is for us to begin to understand that politics and good governance are things that should be driven by logic and not emotion.

    “ We’ve seen a whole lot of things happening and we’ve seen the messages that are not appropriate that have been circulated. But the fact remains that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.

    “At the moment, what we are doing is what is right because we are doing what the constituents want from us; we are representing the constituents at the moment and what we are doing is right.

    “So for now, my message to our people is to be calm. This recall process will be successful, just as everybody anticipated,’’ Yakubu said.

    As at the time of filing this report, no official reaction had been made by INEC over the submission of the petition.

  • Senators Pass Vote Of Confidence On Akpabio

    Senators Pass Vote Of Confidence On Akpabio

    Senators have overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    This decision follows speculation about an impending impeachment by some of his colleagues.

    On Wednesday, various online media outlets reported that the presidency had deployed numerous operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Assembly Complex to disrupt the Senators’ constitutional duties, including efforts to remove Akpabio.

    However, Akpabio refuted these claims, asserting that the Senate remains united.

    The presidency also issued a statement clarifying that there are no threats of impeachment against Akpabio.

  • Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

    Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

    President of the Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio has dismissed a widespread news alleging that security agencies have taken control of the National Assembly to prevent a possible impeachment of the President of the Senate.

    Senator Akpabio was presiding over plenary when his attention was drawn to the speculations on social media.

    He described it as fake news fabricated by mischief makers.

    The President of the Senate urged members of the public to disregard such news and warned all those circulating deliberate falsehood to refrain from such acts.

    Senator Akpabio explained that there is peace in the Senate and there is no consideration for an impeachment by any section of the parliarment.

    However, the Matter has been referred to the Senates Committee on Public Services for Further investigation and legislative action

  • Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation

    Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation

    In a move that further crowds up the governance architecture, the Nigerian Senate is about to pass a bill establishing a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.

    The bill, first introduced on May 29, 2024, is designed to enhance drug awareness, curb substance abuse, and provide rehabilitation services for drug users across the country.

    The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, to Coordinate and Promote Drug Awareness, Prevent Substance Abuse, and Facilitate the Rehabilitation of Drug Users and for Related Matters, 2024 (SB. 449),” is sponsored by Senator Sani Rufa’i, representing Kano Central.

    In his presentation, Senator Rufa’i highlighted the importance of the bill, stating that it would strengthen ongoing programs aimed at drug awareness and provide much-needed support to combat the increasing drug crisis.

    According to the senator, the institute will serve as a key platform to address the pressing challenges of substance abuse in Nigeria and offer structured rehabilitation to users.

    The bill received widespread backing from other senators, including Abdul Ningi, Adamu Alero, and Peter Nwebonyi, who all spoke in favor of its swift passage. They emphasized the need for urgent action to tackle drug addiction, citing its direct link to rising crime rates, banditry, and insecurity in the country.

    The lawmakers also called for more stringent penalties, even suggesting that drug abuse should be treated as a capital offense.

    After deliberations, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, which has been tasked with reviewing the proposal and reporting back to the Senate in four weeks.

  • Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

    Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

    The office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to a viral video that misrepresents his comments about food and economic challenges.

     According to Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, the video in question is a manipulated version of a lighthearted conversation among Senate members shortly after Akpabio’s inauguration in June 2023. 

    Udom clarified that the clip was part of a private discussion where Akpabio jokingly suggested his colleagues take advantage of a dinner organized for them, given the current economic climate. 

    He criticized the dissemination of this doctored footage as a harmful attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation and cause embarrassment to him and his constituents.

    Udom called for a balanced portrayal, urging media outlets to publish corrections alongside the misleading video to address the negative implications it has had on public perception.

     He stressed the importance of context in such communications, asserting that the original remarks were never intended for public scrutiny.

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  • We’ll Be Eating While You Are Out There, Akpabio Mocks Protesters

    We’ll Be Eating While You Are Out There, Akpabio Mocks Protesters

    Reputed for series of unguarded utterances, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taunted those calling for demonstration over the economic hardship in the country.
    According to him, those interested in the protest can go ahead “but let us be there eating”.
    Akpabio spoke at an event organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Rivers state.
    His comment is coming on the heels of a planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians to demand economic and political reforms.
    Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some of the organisers on Tuesday in Abuja, appealing to them for virtual protest but they insisted on going to the streets.
    However, during the NDDC event, Akpabio said he was not interested in any “regime change”.
    “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government.
    “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta”, he added.
    He said “we acknowledge the fact that the impact of oil and gas activities in our region has done immeasurable damage to our people.”
    The national assembly, he assured, is ready to help with legislation to curb oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
    “The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr President,” he said.
    “The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief and I assure that those issues will be addressed”, he submitted.
    The National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership has fixed an emergency session for the eve of the protest.

  • Abba Moro Emerges Senate Minority Leader

    Former Minister of Interior and Senator, Abba Moro, has been named as the new Senate Minority Leader.

    The four-time senator was announced as leader by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.

    The decision to appoint Moro, a four-time Senator, as the Senate Minority Leader was reached after consensus among lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    Their agreement was rooted in the principle of fairness and equity, leading to the zoning of the position to the North-Central region.

    Hailing from Benue State in the North Central zone, Moro’s emergence represents a strategic move by the PDP to uphold regional balance and inclusivity within the Senate leadership.

  • Akpabio Breaks 59-Year-Old Jinx, Secures IPU Executive Committee Slot

    Akpabio Breaks 59-Year-Old Jinx, Secures IPU Executive Committee Slot

    Nigeria’s Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpiabio has been elected into the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

    Mr Anietie Ekong, his Special Assistant on Media and Communication said this in a statement in Abuja.

    Ekong said that Akpabio was elected by delegates across the world to emerge as an executive committee member of the global parliamentary union for a three-year mandate.

    Anietie said Akpabio, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, broke a 59-year-old jinx, with his election into the executive committee of the global parliamentary body.

    He said the last time a Nigerian was elected into the executive committee of the parliamentary union was in 1964.

    “Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU is the global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.

    “It has grown over its 135 years into a truly global organization with 179 country members out of 193 countries in the world.

    “The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.

    “The 147th IPU Assembly was held in Luanda, Angola, from 21st to 27th October 2023 and hosted by the National Assembly of Angola,” he said.

    Anietie said the union in the week-long assembly deliberated on important issues affecting nations across the world and considered actions to strengthen trust between people and governance structures.

    He said the deliberations were designed to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative to better equip parliaments to address multiple geo-political, economic and environmental crises facing the world.