AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU (GCFR)

​Your Excellency,

​As the custodian of our national trust and the leader of Nigeria’s reform agenda, we bring to your urgent attention the unfolding crisis behind the scenes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The battle being fought today is not a mere administrative disagreement; it is a full-scale war launched by "entrenched interest networks" to sabotage any attempt to sanitize pilgrims' funds from systematic looting.

​Your Excellency, in the interest of truth and justice, we present the following technical facts:

​1. The Myth of Individual Responsibility vs. Financial Controls:

The current Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, is facing a coordinated character assassination campaign by certain Board members. We must ask: How can the Chairman be solely accused of financial mismanagement when the "Approving Officer" (Commissioner of Finance/PPMF), the Accounts Department, and Internal Audit must all sign off on every transaction?

Under the NAHCON Act, not a single Naira can be spent without the signature of the relevant Commissioner. If corruption exists, why is the "Authorizing Officer" targeted while the "Executing Officer" is exonerated? Targeting the Chairman alone is a transparent attempt to shield the "Old Guard," some of whom still face unresolved EFCC charges from previous administrations.

​2. The Triangle of "Mashariq – Shuraka’ul Khair – and the Middlemen":

The heart of this crisis lies in the Chairman’s refusal to bow to the extortion of external service providers like "Mashariq Dhahabiyya" and their local affiliates. Our findings indicate the existence of a cross-border "Syndicate" involving former commissioners and high-ranking officials in state and regional offices. They act as middlemen for these firms to secure monopoly contracts in exchange for massive kickbacks—all extracted from the sweat of Nigerian pilgrims.

​3. Exploiting Political Influence to Cover Corruption:

Regrettably, this "Syndicate" enjoys the protection of certain individuals in sensitive offices who seek to thwart any reform that cuts off the "rent-seeking" pipelines they have long enjoyed. They are attempting to professionally assassinate the Chairman because he dared to demand transparency and direct contracting, which eliminates these "brokers."

​Your Excellency, our demands for justice are as follows:

​First: Immediate intervention to purge the NAHCON Board of any member with unresolved corruption cases or EFCC investigations to ensure the office is not used to obstruct reform.

​Second: The establishment of a high-powered investigative panel under your office to probe the "interest links" between external service providers and middlemen within state offices.

​Third: Protecting the Commission's independence to dismantle the corrupt supply chains that have turned pilgrims' money into a source of embezzlement.

​Your Excellency,

Nigeria deserves an administration that protects the dignity of the pilgrim. We trust in your justice and firmness to strike the hands of the corrupt and restore order before the 2026 Hajj season is swallowed by these selfish conflicts.

​May God guide you to the truth and grant you victory over the unjust.

​

NAHCON Chairman’s Stand for Justice and Pilgrim Welfare Deserves National Support - By Sa'idu Audu

The integrity of Nigeria’s Hajj operations depends not only on strong policies but also on principled leadership that places the welfare of pilgrims above all other considerations. 

In recent developments surrounding the administration of the Hajj, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has continued to demonstrate a firm and consistent commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of pilgrims’ rights.

Observers of the process will agree that managing the complexities of Hajj logistics, international coordination, and service delivery requires not only administrative competence but also moral courage. 

It is in this context that Professor Usman’s stance against injustice and exploitation stands out as both timely and commendable.

From the outset, his position has remained clear and unwavering:

1.He does not tolerate any form of injustice against pilgrims.

2.He does not permit Nigerian pilgrims to be subjected to hardship.

3.He does not allow harassment, undue restriction, or the violation of pilgrims’ dignity.

4.He does not approve of accommodations that place pilgrims far from the Holy Mosque.

Beyond these guiding principles, his leadership has been anchored on promoting transparency and ethical conduct within the system. 

His focus has been to ensure that staff and service providers operate within the framework of lawful and moral standards, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the pilgrimage and the trust placed in the Commission by the Nigerian public.

However, as with many reform-driven initiatives, such efforts often attract resistance from individuals who seek to benefit from improper practices. These challenges underscore the importance of collective responsibility in supporting reforms that prioritize fairness, service, and the greater good.

Truth, it must be emphasized, is not a weapon it is the foundation of justice and social harmony. The responsibility of ensuring a successful and dignified Hajj does not rest solely on the shoulders of leadership; it is a shared duty that calls for integrity from all stakeholders involved.

At this critical juncture, it is fitting to extend words of encouragement and prayers to Professor Usman and his team, asking for continued wisdom, protection, and strength as they carry forward the task of serving Nigerian pilgrims.

May justice prevail, may the journey of every pilgrim be eased, and may this sacred responsibility continue to be fulfilled with sincerity and devotion.

Civil Society Coalition Calls for Resignation of NAHCON Board Members Over Governance Crisis

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for the resignation of certain members of the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), citing concerns over governance, accountability, and institutional stability at the Commission.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Muhammad Nda Auwal, the coalition said it reviewed the ongoing dispute within NAHCON and expressed alarm over the conduct of some Board members, warning that the situation could erode public trust, disrupt Hajj preparations, and damage Nigeria’s international standing.

The group stated that Board members who are subjects of ongoing or inherited cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lack the moral authority to sit in judgment over the management of the Commission.

According to the statement, unresolved integrity issues undermine the credibility of any oversight role and render allegations against NAHCON’s management questionable.

The coalition faulted what it described as vague accusations and public insinuations made without evidence, noting that no specific dates, transactions, contract references, or audit queries have been presented to substantiate claims of misconduct.

The group further outlined what it described as established operational facts within NAHCON, including that all financial transactions require endorsements from the Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Monitoring and Finance (PPMF), Accounts, and Internal Audit before payments are made.

It added that procurement decisions at the Commission are committee-based, properly documented, and subject to statutory review, stressing that cases allegedly linked to the EFCC were inherited and involved some Commissioners who are now, according to the coalition, positioning themselves as moral arbiters.

The statement also maintained that Board members have no statutory power under the NAHCON Act to pass or communicate a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Commission.

Beyond the dispute, the coalition accused some Board members of engaging in acts of internal sabotage, including unauthorized postings, issuance of official correspondence without executive approval, defiance of lawful directives, and attempts to assume operational roles not provided for by law.

It described such actions as insubordination and institutional vandalism capable of destabilizing the Commission.

The coalition therefore demanded the immediate resignation of all Board members with pending or inherited EFCC cases, arguing that oversight cannot be credible under the cloud of unresolved investigations.

It also called for the resignation of any Board member involved in issuing what it described as an unlawful vote of no confidence, insisting that accountability must begin with those who claim to uphold it.

“Nigeria’s Hajj administration is not a battleground for personal ambition or power struggles,” the statement read, adding that the Commission represents a national trust involving lives, diplomacy, and international obligations.

The group urged the Presidency and relevant authorities to intervene in the national interest, stressing the need for stability at NAHCON and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Governor Yusuf Commends Kano Police for Swift Arrest of Suspects in Killing of Housewife and Children

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Kano State Police Command for its swift and professional response that led to the arrest of suspects involved in the brutal killing of a housewife and her children in Dorayi Quarters, Kano.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.

Governor Yusuf described the prompt action of the police as a clear demonstration of commitment and courage in protecting the lives and property of the people of Kano State.

He said the horrific incident, which claimed the lives of an innocent mother and her children, deeply saddened the state, but the speed with which the suspects were tracked and arrested has restored public confidence in the security agencies.

The governor praised the Commissioner of Police and officers involved for deploying intelligence-led operations that led to the breakthrough, stressing that such professionalism must be sustained to deter criminals.

Governor Yusuf assured that his administration will continue to support the police and other security agencies with the needed logistics and cooperation to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in Kano State.

He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains key to sustaining peace.

The governor directed that the suspects be thoroughly investigated and diligently prosecuted to ensure justice for the victims and serve as a deterrent to others.

Kano State Government Announces Schools Resumption Dates

The Kano State Government has announced the official resumption dates for schools across the state for the commencement of the second term of 2025/2026 academic session.

According to the announcement, boarding schools are to resume on Sunday, 18th January 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, 19th January 2026. This directive applies to all public, private, and voluntary schools operating within the state.

Parents and guardians of boarding students are advised to ensure that their wards return to school as early as possible and before evening on the stipulated resumption dates to allow for proper settling and preparation for academic activities.

Furthermore, all heads of schools and teachers have been directed to ensure that teaching and learning commence on Monday, 19th January 2026, without fail. School proprietors and administrators are expected to put all necessary measures in place to guarantee a smooth and orderly resumption.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner of Education, Gwani Dr Ali Haruna Makoda, through the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, extended his best wishes to parents, teachers, and students for a successful and productive academic term. He called for continued cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders in order to sustain discipline, promote learning, and achieve the shared goal of educational excellence in the state.

He reiterates Government’s commitment to maintaining academic discipline and promoting quality education across all categories of schools in the state.

ARD AKTH branch set to resume suspended indefinite strike Monday - By Ado Salisu

The Association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (ARD AKTH), Kano, has formally directed it's members to resume the suspended indefinite strike following the failure of federal government to address on the prevailing challenges confronting resident doctors nationwide.

The chairman's ARD AKTH chapter, Dr. Aminu Bello Aminu said that following extensive deliberations and in strict alignment with the directive of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the ARD AKTH hereby declares its decision to join the Total and Indefinite Consolidated Strike (TICS 2.0).

Speaking with newsmen in Kano, Dr. Aminu said that the strike action is scheduled to commence by 12:00 midnight on Monday, 12th January 2026.

 He explained that the decision was not taken lightly. It follows prolonged engagement, repeated assurances, and persistent failure by relevant authorities to address critical welfare, training, and remuneration concerns affecting resident doctors and the healthcare system.

The chairman revealed that the demands include clear, legitimate, and long overdue,I mmediate reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja Five and payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears.

He added that others are implementation of the approved professional allowance table, with arrears captured in the 2026 Federal Budget and official clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to Chief Executives on skipping and entry-level placement issues as well as re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance.

''Resolution of House Officers’ salary delays and arrears, with issuance of a clear pay advisory, re-categorization of membership certificates and issuance of certificates post Part I examinations by the NPMCN, immediate commencement of locum practice and work-hours regulation committees and resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process,'' he said.

Dr Aminu said that the continued neglect of these issues poses serious risks to healthcare delivery, workforce morale, and patient safety, adding that the Resident doctors cannot continue to function optimally in an environment of uncertainty and unfulfilled commitments.

The chairman said ARD AKTH remains open to genuine, concrete, and time-bound negotiations, but until meaningful progress is achieved, we stand in full solidarity with NARD and resident doctors nationwide.

NAHCON under Scrutiny Over Alleged Rule Violation and Strategic Manipulation By the Commissioner of Operations

Recent allegations emerging from within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have raised serious concerns about administrative conduct and adherence to due process, particularly involving Commissioner Elegushi. 

Multiple internal sources allege that clear directives issued from the Office of the Vice President regarding personnel management have been disregarded, prompting growing unease among staff and stakeholders committed to institutional integrity.

According to these accounts, the commissioner is accused of retaining individuals who are no longer eligible for service, including retired staff and a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, in direct contradiction to established civil service regulations and explicit instructions reportedly issued at the highest level of government. 

Insiders describe this as a deliberate act that undermines both the authority of the Vice President and the rule-based governance framework guiding federal institutions.

Further compounding these concerns are claims that internal enforcement mechanisms have been compromised. Sources allege that the officer responsible for upholding personnel and financial management rules has failed to act, allegedly overlooking clear violations. 

This perceived inaction has fueled suspicions of institutional capture and has intensified calls for urgent external oversight to prevent further erosion of accountability within the commission.

In addition, staff members allege that Commissioner Elegushi, who is widely believed to be positioning himself for the chairmanship of NAHCON, has begun exerting undue influence over key strategic postings. Of particular concern is the reported redeployment of Halidu Shutti as Director of Human Resources, a move insiders claim aligns with a broader effort to consolidate power within the commission and advance a narrow, divisive agenda that could undermine meritocracy and national balance.

In light of these troubling allegations, stakeholders are calling on the Office of the Vice President to urgently review the situation and intervene where necessary to safeguard institutional integrity, ensure compliance with federal directives, and reaffirm the principles of transparency and fairness. 

It is only through decisive and impartial action that public confidence in NAHCON’s leadership and operations can be restored and protected.

NAHCON Commissioner Elegushi Accused of Defying VP’s Directive, Retaining Retired Staff and Ex-Corper

A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as mounting allegations implicate the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, in what insiders describe as a brazen disregard for civil service rules, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s explicit directive, and growing tendencies of nepotism and impunity.

Multiple senior staff who spoke to this newspaper, fearing reprisals, disclosed that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, Mr. Gaffar, who left the service in 2023. Despite having no legal standing within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to official operations and enjoys privileges befitting a serving staff.

“He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and even maintains offices in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia,” one source lamented. “This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence in the system has been badly eroded.”

But the concerns do not end there.

Sources further accuse the Commissioner of quietly retaining a female youth corps member who completed her national service months ago. The ex-corper, allegedly related to Mr. Elegushi, continues to occupy a slot reserved for an incoming NYSC member and reportedly enjoys full staff privileges—an anomaly that has unsettled the commission’s workforce.

Vice President’s Directive Ignored

The controversy deepened after documents emerged showing that Vice-President Shettima had earlier rejected NAHCON’s request to engage retired personnel on contract. In a memo titled “RE: Request for Special Waiver to Appoint Three Retired Officers on Contract”, the VP expressly ordered the commission to halt such engagements:

“You are therefore advised to reverse any such engagements and instruct your Human Resources unit to conduct a proper mandate and capability assessment of your workforce,” the memo read.

Yet, in what staff describe as a deliberate act of defiance, Mr. Elegushi allegedly continues to accommodate the retired officer and the ex-corper within his operations unit.

Staff Union “Silenced by Fear”

Although the staff union reportedly complained in the past about outsiders being placed above legitimate personnel, workers say this particular case has remained untouched.

“People are afraid. The Commissioner is powerful, and even the officer responsible for enforcing the rules the commissioner PPMF has chosen to look away,” another insider disclosed.

Several staff members also allege that the commissioner, who is said to be positioning himself for the NAHCON chairmanship, has begun influencing strategic postings within the commission. One such move is the alleged redeployment of Halidu Shutti as Director of Human Resources an appointment insiders say fits into Mr. Elegushi’s broader plan to consolidate control and “advance an ethnic agenda” within the organisation.

Open Letter To President Bola Tinubu On Returning NAHCON To The Coordinating Authority of the SGF

His Excellency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House, Abuja

Your Excellency,

I write as a concerned citizen and Muslim who cares deeply about the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and the reputation of our country. I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and return its day to day supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while keeping it firmly under the Presidency as required by law.

This request is about efficiency, productivity, accountability, and the long term stability of Hajj administration in Nigeria.

1. Brief history of Hajj management in Nigeria

1. In 1953, Alhaji Abubakar Imam moved a motion in the Northern House of Assembly for a Nigerian pilgrims office in Jeddah, to protect pilgrims who were facing hardship in Saudi Arabia. 

2. Regional Pilgrims Welfare Boards emerged from 1958 in Western Region and 1965 in Northern Region as pilgrim numbers grew. 

3. In 1975, the Federal Military Government created the Nigeria Pilgrims Board by Decree No. 16, vesting all aspects of Hajj management in a federal body, headed by Sheikh Mahmud Gumi. 

4. In 1989, the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission replaced the Board. It was later dissolved after the 1991 Jeddah air crash that killed 247 Nigerian pilgrims and 14 crew members. 

5. After that, Hajj affairs were handled by temporary structures and the Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This era saw serious administrative instability, including a temporary Saudi ban on Nigerian pilgrims in 1996 because of repeated operational failures. 

6. In response, the National Assembly passed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Establishment Act in 2006. The Act repealed the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Act and created NAHCON as a permanent, professional body with clear statutory powers to license, regulate, and supervise all Hajj and Umrah activities. 

NAHCON started operation in 2007. Since then it has coordinated state pilgrims boards, supervised airlift and accommodation, enforced Saudi regulations, and improved welfare and medical services for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. 

2. What the NAHCON Act actually provides

The NAHCON Act 2006 does three important things.

1. It repeals the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Act and establishes NAHCON with clear functions to:

a. license, regulate and supervise all organisations that move pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah

b. oversee accommodation, transportation and other services for pilgrims

c. perform oversight and supervisory functions over all agencies involved in Hajj matters. 

2. It creates the Hajj Savings Scheme under section 7, which is now a key tool for gradual savings and long term planning for pilgrims. 

3. It places supervision of NAHCON “under the Presidency”. Section 3 defines NAHCON as a federal commission. Section 20, as interpreted by multiple legal commentaries and media analyses, clearly states that supervision of the Commission lies with the Presidency. 

The Act does not say “Office of the Vice President”. It says “Presidency”.

In practice, the Presidency has historically carried out this supervision through the Office of the SGF. A 2017 article defending NAHCON’s structure noted that “every action taken by the Commission is approved by the Presidency under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation”. 

This shows two things.

a. NAHCON is meant to sit under a strong, neutral coordinating centre in the Presidency.

b. The Office of the SGF has already served in that role in a way that is consistent with the Act.

3. The 2023 decision that moved NAHCON to the VP’s office

On 20 June 2023, the Presidency announced that you had approved the return of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and NAHCON to the Office of the Vice President for supervision “in compliance with their various establishment Acts”. 

Respectfully, the NAHCON Act does not insist on the VP’s office. It insists on the Presidency. Supervision through the SGF is also supervision by the Presidency.

By placing NAHCON directly under the VP’s office, Nigeria has shifted from:

• a neutral, administrative coordinating structure under the SGF,

to

• a highly political, personality based structure under the Vice President.

This is a policy choice, not a legal obligation.

4. Evidence that SGF based supervision produces results

Hajj management under NAHCON has recorded major improvements when anchored within a strong coordinating structure of the Presidency and SGF. For example:

1. Saudi authorities and Nigerian stakeholders have publicly acknowledged that since NAHCON started in 2007, Nigeria moved from being “a recurring study case of Hajj mismanagement” to a country that “has turned around Hajj management”. 

2. NAHCON introduced reforms like dealing directly with landlords in Makkah and Madinah. This cut out multiple exploitative agents and saved millions of dollars and Saudi Riyals in accommodation costs for pilgrims. 

3. In recent years, NAHCON has:

• ferried all 95,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2023 for the first time in nearly a decade and filled the full national slot restored by Saudi Arabia 

• managed more than 51,000 government quota pilgrims in 2024 under very difficult foreign exchange conditions 

• secured Mashair space for 52,000 projected pilgrims ahead of the 2025 deadline. 

These outcomes rely on heavy inter agency coordination with aviation, foreign affairs, interior, health, central bank, security agencies, and state governments. The SGF’s office is structurally designed to coordinate exactly this type of horizontal work.

5. Why the SGF is a better home than the VP’s office

You are trying to build a government of results, not noise. For Hajj management, SGF based supervision has at least five clear advantages over VP based supervision.

1. Stronger inter ministerial coordination

The SGF is the central coordinator of the federal bureaucracy. Most of the agencies NAHCON must work with already have lines of reporting and clearance that run through the SGF. Keeping NAHCON under the SGF reduces confusion, shortens clearance chains, and helps to resolve bottlenecks before they harm pilgrims.

2. Greater institutional stability and continuity

Nigeria has moved Hajj management through too many structures over the decades: regional boards, federal boards, commissions, temporary task forces, a directorate in Foreign Affairs, and now a commission in the Presidency. 

Frequent shifts in who supervises NAHCON create uncertainty for staff, state boards, service providers and Saudi counterparts. The SGF’s office offers a stable, rules based platform that is less exposed to political reshuffles than a portfolio tied to the personal office of the Vice President.

3. Clearer accountability lines

When NAHCON sits under the SGF:

• the Chairman/CEO reports through a known administrative chain

• Parliament and auditors can follow documents and approvals across a predictable path

• Nigerian and Saudi partners know who to engage on policy questions and dispute resolution

The 2017 analysis that described NAHCON as “one of the most supervised agencies of the federal government” stressed that the SGF, Senate and House committees jointly oversee its work, including on ground during Hajj. 

4. Better alignment with the NAHCON Act

The Act gives NAHCON regulatory, licensing, oversight, and savings scheme functions. These are administrative and regulatory duties, not political messaging duties. They fit naturally under the SGF’s coordinating and monitoring role. 

Moving supervision back to the SGF keeps NAHCON under the Presidency as section 20 requires, while locating daily oversight with the part of the Presidency formally tasked with coordination of ministries, departments and agencies. 

5. Reduced risk of politicisation

Placing NAHCON directly under the VP’s office makes it more likely that:

• key appointments and decisions will be viewed as partisan or regional

• inter party and intra party rivalries spill into Hajj administration

• future governments use the Commission in proxy political battles

Hajj should remain a national, non partisan service. Supervision through the SGF gives the Presidency control, while signalling neutrality and professionalism to all regions and sects.

6. Lessons from attempts to tamper with the NAHCON Act

The National Assembly has received at least one Bill that seeks to repeal and re enact the NAHCON Act. The fact that lawmakers now debate how to reshape the Commission proves two points.

1. NAHCON has become a significant institution in the federal architecture.

2. Any rash structural experiment can create serious risk for pilgrims and for Nigeria’s image in Saudi Arabia.

You have inherited a Commission that works, with known gaps that can be fixed. It is wiser to strengthen its original governance structure under the SGF than to push it into an office where political traffic is already heavy and priorities are constantly shifting.

7. What is at stake for pilgrims and for your government

Every year, tens of thousands of ordinary Nigerians save for years to go on Hajj. In 2023 about 95,000 Nigerians performed Hajj. In 2024 about 65,000 Nigerians participated. 

These pilgrims judge the federal government not by speeches but by:

• how early flights start and finish

• whether accommodation is close, safe and decent

• how refunds and complaints are handled

• how medical teams respond in crises

• how clearly information is communicated before, during and after Hajj

Weak coordination or slow approvals at the top hurt real people on the ground. Pilgrims do not care about which desk in Abuja signs the memo. They care about tents, buses, food, and medical care in Makkah, Madinah, Mina and Arafat.

Your Excellency, you have already shown willingness to intervene strongly on Hajj matters, including on fares, refunds and early preparations for subsequent years. Relocating NAHCON back to the SGF’s coordination will give your directives stronger administrative backing and faster execution.

8. Respectful request

On this basis, I respectfully request that you:

1. Order a formal review of NAHCON’s current supervisory arrangement, with clear terms of reference that include efficiency, coordination, and consistency with the NAHCON Act 2006.

2. Restore NAHCON’s supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while affirming its status as a Commission under the Presidency in line with section 20 of the Act. 

3. Direct that any future proposals to move NAHCON to a ministry or other political office must be subjected to full stakeholder consultation with state pilgrims boards, recognised Islamic organisations, licensed tour operators and civil society groups.

Your decision on this matter will shape Hajj administration for the next decade. It will also send a clear message that your government values stable institutions, respects the law, and listens to the voices of ordinary pilgrims whose life savings and spiritual aspirations are at stake.

With respect,

Concerned Nigerian Muslim and civic activist

Oyedeji Hails Lagos Legends' Historic Triumph, Champions A Vision for A Stronger Nigerian Basketball League

Former NBA star and one of the long-time pillars of of Nigerian basketball, Olumide Oyedeji, praised Lagos Legends for their dramatic 74–72 victory over Rivers Hoopers on Sunday.

A win that delivered the franchise its first-ever NBBF Premier League title and a prized ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Oyedeji, the proprietor of Hoops N’ Read and a respected NBBF board member, described the victory as “a new chapter” for the domestic league, insisting that Legends’ rise is proof that Nigerian clubs can hit continental standards with the right planning and discipline.

“Your victory is the result of hard work, and other teams should learn from the way Lagos Legends went about their business,” Oyedeji said, urging the champions to begin early preparation for the enormous challenge the BAL presents.

While his own Hoops N’ Read side did not reach the Final Four this season, bowing out in the Final Eight, Oyedeji remained fully invested in the league’s growth. 

His consistent presence, mentorship, and investment in player development have shaped him into one of the most influential voices pushing the Nigerian game forward.

Despite recently losing his beloved mother, Oyedeji has remained deeply committed to supporting the growth of the domestic game. His presence, leadership, and investment continue to shape the direction of Nigerian basketball even during this period.

He also applauded Rivers Hoopers, who hosted the Final Four for the third straight year, praising their organisation and hospitality.

“You did not just host, you were excellent hosts,” he noted.

Despite playing with the backing of their home fans, the KingsMen fell narrowly short in their bid to reclaim the crown. Oyedeji, a former D’Tigers captain, encouraged them: “You gave your best, but it wasn’t enough. Better luck next time.”

Beyond the result, Oyedeji’s message was clear, Nigerian basketball is moving, growing, and rising and the Legends’ triumph is another sign that the NBBF Premier League is becoming more competitive, more professional, and more exciting.

And as the league continues to evolve, Oyedeji’s steady influence, from club ownership to administration to grassroots nurturing, remains one of the driving forces shaping its future.

Signed 

Maxwell Kumoye 

For Hoops N' Read BBC