By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, with emphasis on professionalism, accountability, constitutional safeguards and respect for fundamental human rights.
The Council made the call in a communiqué signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, and issued at the end of its General Assembly held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Abuja National Mosque, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.”
The Assembly was presided over by the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, and attended by prominent Emirs, Obas, Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from across the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
The NSCIA also supported decentralised policing, provided such reforms are anchored on professionalism, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, constitutional safeguards, respect for fundamental rights and effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.
The Council said insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith, while rejecting claims of genocide against Christians or any other religious community in Nigeria.
It urged the Federal Government to expedite measures aimed at reducing the cost of transportation and food to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians, while acknowledging efforts to revive the economy.
The Council also condemned attempts to portray Muslims as non-indigenous to Igboland, stressing that Islam has existed in the region for several decades and across generations.
On religious rights, the NSCIA welcomed the Supreme Court judgment upholding the appellate court’s decision concerning the mosque which authorities of Rivers State University had prevented Muslim students from building on campus.
It called on the Rivers State Government and the university management to implement the judgment without further delay.
The Council further called on government agencies to respect the right of Muslim female students, Muslim National Youth Service Corps members, female personnel in security agencies and Muslim female workers to use hijab as a fundamental human right.
It also criticised the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos over what it described as hostile dispositions to the Supreme Court judgment favouring the use of hijab in their international schools.
The NSCIA urged the institutions to retrace their steps, comply with the law and uphold inclusiveness.
The Council urged Muslim leaders to prioritise quality education integrating sound Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), while calling on parents and community leaders to strengthen moral guidance for youths.
It also recognised Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi for winning the first prize in the female category of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and recommended her for national recognition.
On civic responsibility, the Council urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers and Permanent Voter Cards and participate fully in the selection of leaders at all levels.
It also encouraged Muslim organisations to pursue economic independence through lawful investments, cooperation and effective administration of Zakat and Waqf to reduce poverty sustainably.
The Assembly adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.
It commended NAHCON and the Abuja National Mosque Management Board for their initiatives in advancing their respective mandates.
The Council also honoured its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, for his contributions to Islam, educational development and nation-building during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board from August 2016 to July 2026.
The Assembly further approved the renewal and expansion of the NSCIA National Executive Committee, including the appointment of Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji as Deputy Secretary-General (National Affairs), Prof. Salisu Shehu as Deputy Secretary-General (International Affairs), Abeni Obomeileh Mohammed, SAN, as Deputy Secretary-General (Corporate Affairs), and Dr Bala Muhammad as Deputy Secretary-General (Administration).
Others are Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Public Relations Officer; Hajia Sekinah T. Lawal, Deputy Public Relations Officer; Dr Mairo Mandara, Development Officer; Arc. Abdullah Musa Abdul (PenAbdul), Deputy Development Officer (Technical); and Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem, Family Affairs Officer.
The Council expressed appreciation to eminent Muslims who supported its drive for financial sustainability, as well as other contributors, invited guests, delegates and participants who contributed to the success of the 2026 General Assembly.
