Elegushi under fire as NAHCON faces allegations of defying VP’s directive, retaining retired officer , ex-corper
Oyelere Kola Kano
A growing storm is brewing within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as fresh allegations accuse the Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of openly defying civil service rules and an explicit directive from Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Multiple senior staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, told this newspaper that Mr. Elegushi has allegedly continued to retain a retired official, identified as Mr. Gaffar, who exited the service in 2023.
Despite his retirement, the former staff member allegedly enjoys the full privileges of an active employee, including unrestricted access to sensitive operations and the use of office spaces in both Abuja and Saudi Arabia.
“He has no portfolio, no official role, yet he attends meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in two countries,” one staff source said.
“This is a direct violation of the Public Service Rules. Staff morale has dropped because it feels like the system no longer follows its own laws.”
Ex-Corper Allegedly Retained, Fueling Nepotism Claims
Further deepening the controversy is the allegation that Mr. Elegushi has retained a female ex–youth corps member, months after she completed her mandatory national service. The former corps member, said to be related to the commissioner, reportedly occupies a slot meant for a new NYSC member and receives privileges normally reserved for full-time staff.
Workers describe the situation as “an anomaly that has destabilised the commission’s workforce.”
Vice-President’s Warning Ignored
The unfolding crisis intensified after documents emerged showing that Vice-President Shettima had previously rejected NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff on contract. In a memo titled “RE: Request for Special Waiver to Appoint Three Retired Officers on Contract,” the VP instructed the commission to immediately discontinue 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 stated.
Despite the directive, staff allege that Mr. Elegushi has continued to accommodate both the retired officer and the former corps member within his department — actions insiders describe as a “deliberate act of defiance.”
Union Muted by Fear
While the staff union has reportedly raised concerns in the past about “outsiders being elevated above legitimate workers,” employees say this particular case remains untouched because of fear.
“The Commissioner is powerful, and even the officer meant to enforce the rules — the PPMF — has chosen to look away,” another source said.
Power Play and Ethnic Agenda Alleged
Several staff members also accuse Mr. Elegushi of positioning himself for the NAHCON chairmanship ahead of future transitions. In this pursuit, insiders claim he has begun influencing strategic postings within the organisation.
One example cited is the alleged redeployment of Halidu Shutti as Director of Human Resources — a move believed by employees to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and “push an ethnic agenda.”
NAHCON Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, NAHCON has not issued an official response to the allegations. Staff say the situation has created tension within the commission, with fears that the controversy could affect internal cohesion ahead of the 2025 Hajj preparations.
However,a source very close to Mr
Elegushi,said that the allegations leveled against him ,is baseless and lack any iota of true
The source further stated that it was a campaign of calumny aimed to tarnish his image