The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on Tuesday appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Muslim Pilgrims to defend the commission’s proposed 2026 budget.
At the budget defence session held in Abuja, NAHCON presented a spending plan of ₦6.6 billion. Ambassador Yusuf provided a summary of the commission’s 2025 budget performance, while the Director of Finance and Administration, Aminu Mohammed, gave a detailed breakdown of the new proposal.
According to the presentation, ₦4.4 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, ₦1.1 billion for personnel costs, and ₦1.1 billion for overheads.
Some lawmakers led by the chairman of the committee Hon. Mohammed Jafaru Ali as well as Muhammed Buba Jajere raised concerns during the session, urging the commission to strengthen provisions for monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Jafaru Muhammed, however, supported a motion by Hon. Leko Jafaru to accept the budget for review, noting that Ambassador Yusuf is still settling into his role as NAHCON Chairman.
Members of the committee advised the commission’s management to work in unity, uphold the rule of law, and maintain the fear of Allah in discharging their duties. They reminded the officials that the Hajj exercise is not only a national responsibility but also a sacred pillar of Islam.
