Fresh Turmoil in NAHCON as Commissioner Faces Allegations of Defying VP’s Directive, Nepotism, and Rule Violation

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

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, all insisting on anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that Mr. Elegushi has continued to retain a retired NAHCON official, identified as Mr. Gaffar, who formally left service in 2023. Despite having no legal status within the commission, the retired officer allegedly maintains unrestricted access to sensitive operations and enjoys the privileges of serving personnel.

One senior staff, visibly frustrated, said:
“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. This is a clear violation of the Public Service Rules, and staff confidence in the system has been badly eroded.”

Ex-Corper Retention Sparks Further Outrage

But the concerns do not end there. Insiders further accuse the Commissioner of retaining a female youth corps member who concluded her NYSC service months ago. The ex-corper—allegedly related to Mr. Elegushi—continues to occupy a slot meant for a new NYSC member and reportedly enjoys full staff privileges.

Another source described the situation as “highly irregular,” adding:
“There are rules. When someone finishes NYSC, they are supposed to leave. But she is still here as if she is a permanent staff. It is unsettling, and people feel helpless.”

Vice-President’s Directive Ignored

The controversy intensified after documents surfaced showing that Vice-President Shettima had earlier rejected NAHCON’s request to engage retired officers on contract.

In a memo titled “RE: Request for Special Waiver to Appoint Three Retired Officers on Contract,” the Vice-President explicitly 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.

However, staff insist that Mr. Elegushi has continued to accommodate both the retired officer and the ex-corper “in open defiance” of the directive.

Staff Union ‘Silenced by Fear’

Although the staff union has reportedly raised concerns in the past about outsiders being elevated above legitimate personnel, workers say the present case has remained untouched.

A staff member told this newspaper:
“People are afraid. The Commissioner is powerful, and even the officer responsible for enforcing the rules PPMF has chosen to look away.”

Alleged Strategic Maneuvering Ahead of Chairmanship Bid

Several insiders also alleged that the Commissioner, who is rumored 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 action many staff interpret as part of a broader plan to consolidate influence and “advance an ethnic agenda.”

An internal source said:
“It’s not just about rule-breaking anymore; people believe he’s restructuring the system to suit his personal political ambition.”

As of the time of filing this report, NAHCON has not officially responded to inquiries regarding the allegations.