President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi as Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria due to financial irregularities linked to the 2024 Hajj. Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been nominated as his replacement, as the EFCC investigates alleged misconduct involving significant fund misallocations within the commission.
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi from his position as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) amid an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities related to the 2024 Hajj. The announcement, made by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, noted that Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been nominated to replace Arabi, pending Senate approval. Professor Usman, a distinguished scholar with degrees from institutions in Madinah and Peshawar, previously led the Kano State Pilgrims Board and possesses extensive knowledge of Hajj administration.
Arabi's dismissal follows serious allegations of financial misconduct, including the improper allocation of funds during the 2024 Hajj. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating both Arabi and NAHCON Secretary Abdullahi Kontagora. Reports have revealed that 314,098 Saudi Riyals were wrongfully distributed among officials, which the EFCC has successfully recovered.
The Nigerian government allocated N90 billion for the 2024 Hajj, but these recent allegations have cast a significant shadow over the event. President Tinubu's choice of Usman is viewed as a strategic move to restore transparency and accountability within NAHCON. As the situation unfolds, both the public and analysts are closely monitoring developments, highlighting the importance of integrity in the management of national religious affairs.
