The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Professor Abdullahi Usman as the new Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
The confirmation took place on Thursday after the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Abubakar Bello (APC-Niger North), presented its report.
According to The PUNCH, President Tinubu had nominated Usman for the position on August 19, 2024, as announced by his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Tinubu later submitted a formal request for Usman’s confirmation to the Senate.
Usman, a respected scholar with extensive experience in hajj operations, previously served as chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims’ Board, where he managed the largest state quota of pilgrims in Nigeria.
Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Bello affirmed Usman’s qualifications, stating that he was well-suited to lead the nation’s top Hajj body.
Following the report, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, called for a voice vote, which resulted in Usman’s confirmation.
