Mustapha Ali becomes NAHCON’s new secretary

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali as its new Secretary. His appointment follows voluntary resignation of Dr Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora, after which Alhaji Alidu Shutti took over in acting capacity.

A statement by NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer, Shafii Sani Mohammed said Ali emerged successful after meeting the requirements advertised by the Commission on its website and other media channels. His subsequent appointment was endorsed by the fifth Board of the Commission after its meeting on February 26, 2025 in accordance with Section 8 of the NAHCON Establishment Act (2006).

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to ensuring successful Hajj operations in Nigeria, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on Monday, hosted the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.

Zulum assured NAHCON of his commitment to supporting the success of this year’s Hajj operations.He also pledged to mobilise members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to assist pilgrims in their various states.

This appointment assures that North East is represented in the NAHCON Board. His experience as former Executive Secretary of Borno state Pilgrims Board was an added advantage.

Ali born in Yerwa, the Borno State, will serve as Secretary for four years and renewable after the first tenure.

He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree both in Islamic Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and Administration, a Diploma in Computer Application and Internet, and Executive Life Manager Certificate among other.

He attended University of Maiduguri, Bayero University Kano and the University College for Islamic Call, Tripoli, Libya where he excelled in his field of studies. Other institutions he attended include Administrative Staff College Lagos, Yaysib Computer Institute and Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology Maiduguri to mention a few.

His working experience spans decades among which are Director Centre for Kanuri Ajami and Qur`ani Studies; Borno State University; Chairman Care-taker Management Committee, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Borno State; Deputy Provost, Muhammad Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Maiduguri, Borno State, etc.

Ali’s responsibilities as new Secretary of the Commission include keeping records, conducting correspondences, and serving as Secretary at all meetings of the Commission. These responsibilities will be in addition to ensuring effective reporting of the Commission’s activities to the relevant authorities, maintenance of the register of licensed Hajj operators, facilitation of publication of the Commission’s regulations and coordination of the Commission’s standard of performance.

It is expected that Dr Ali’s appointment will bring additional value to the Commission. His tenure commences the day he assumes office.