The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture to address the growing insecurity in the country.
The Council made the call in a communiqué signed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, issued at the end of its General Assembly held in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-Building.”
The NSCIA supported decentralised policing, provided it is guided by professionalism, constitutional safeguards, accountability, adequate funding and respect for fundamental human rights.
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It also called on the Nigerian Government to intensify efforts to reduce the cost of food and transportation and alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The Council reaffirmed the need for unity among Muslims and urged Islamic scholars to resolve their differences through internal mechanisms rather than attacking one another publicly. It also cautioned Muslims against spreading unverified information and using religion to promote hatred, violence, or division.
On education and inclusion, the NSCIA called for greater attention to quality education combining Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM.
It also urged government institutions to respect the rights of Muslim women and girls to wear the hijab.
The Council further urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers and Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in choosing leaders at all levels. It encouraged Muslim organisations to promote economic independence through lawful investments, Zakat and Waqf.
The General Assembly also adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.
The NSCIA honoured its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to education and national development during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.
The meeting was presided over by the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
