The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) formally welcomed its newly appointed Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Ali, at a ceremony held on March 3, 2025, in the Board Room of Hajj House, Abuja.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to Allah for the successful appointment process, acknowledging the rigorous selection that led to Dr. Ali’s emergence. He described the appointment as pivotal in strengthening the Commission’s operations, emphasizing Dr. Ali’s extensive experience in the Hajj industry and proficiency in the Arabic language vital skills for the Commission’s engagements in Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Usman assured Dr. Ali of the full cooperation of the Commission’s staff, urging him to work diligently to improve service delivery. He prayed for Allah’s guidance in the new Secretary’s responsibilities.
The Director in Charge of Administration, Alhaji Bukar Babagana, outlined the Secretary’s responsibilities, including serving as Secretary to both the Executive Committee (Exco) and the Board, overseeing the Commission’s Secretariat locally and during Hajj operations, maintaining official records, preparing the annual report to the President, and managing interactions with state pilgrims’ boards and tour operators. He noted that 19 applicants were screened in the rigorous selection process, with Dr. Mustapha Ali emerging as the top candidate.
Commissioner representing the Northeast, Abba Jato Kala, described Dr. Ali as an accomplished administrator with experience in politics, academia, and public administration, having served as a lecturer and Head of Departments at Borno State University. He encouraged the new Secretary to view the Commission as a family working for the sake of Allah.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Mustapha Ali expressed gratitude for his appointment and the warm reception from the Commission. He pledged commitment, diligence, and teamwork in carrying out his duties, while praying for Allah’s guidance.
Delivering the closing remarks, Commissioner PPMF Abdulrazak Aliu praised NAHCON’s high operational standards and expressed confidence in Dr. Ali’s ability to further strengthen the Commission. He advised him to approach the role as an act of ibadah (worship) and trust (amana) from Allah.
The ceremony marked the beginning of Dr. Mustapha Ali’s tenure, underscoring NAHCON’s dedication to excellence, teamwork, and service delivery in the administration of Hajj operations.
