GENERAL ASSEMBLY: NSCIA declares ‘No religious genocide in Nigeria’, demands security reform, defends Hijab rights

MAIN POINTS:

• Gives conditions for supporting state police
• Islam has existed in Igboland for decades — NSCIA
• Defends Muslim women’s right to wear Hijab
• Hails Supreme Court ruling on mosque at Rivers Varsity
• Council demands quality education for Muslim youths
• NSCIA General Assembly commends Hajj Commission, National Mosque management for their initiatives
• Honours Prof Is-haq Oloyede for contributions to education, nation-building during 10-year tenure as JAMB Registrar
• Urges Muslims to obtain NIN, PVC
• Council expands National Executive Committee

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Council, however, called for “an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture”, while supporting decentralised policing, provided it is anchored on “professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, respect for fundamental rights and effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.”

The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared that there is no genocide against Christians or any religious community in Nigeria, while calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms of the country’s security architecture.

The Council made the declaration in a communiqué 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 Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, His Eminence 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.

On national security, the NSCIA stated that “insecurity in Nigeria affects all Nigerians regardless of faith”, declaring that “there is no genocide of Christians or any religious community in Nigeria as claimed in some quarters.”

The Council, however, called for “an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture”, while supporting decentralised policing, provided it is anchored on “professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, respect for fundamental rights and effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.”

The NSCIA also charged the Federal Government to expedite action on reducing the cost of transportation and food to alleviate the hardship being faced by ordinary Nigerians, while acknowledging government efforts to revamp the economy.

Islam has been in Igboland for decades — NSCIA

The Council made a strong declaration on the presence of Islam in the South-East, saying “Islam has been in Igboland for several decades and across generations.”

It condemned any attempt by individuals or groups to pretend that Muslims are not indigenous to Igboland, warning against efforts “to suppress and normalise attacks against them.”

On religious unity, the NSCIA reaffirmed that Islam prohibits compulsion in religion, stating that “Muslims do not force people to become Muslims.”

It also urged Muslim scholars to desist from publicly attacking one another, advising them to resolve their differences through internal mechanisms.

The Council cautioned Muslims against manipulating Islam to promote hatred and violence, urging them to “always find a common ground by de-emphasising sectarian differences.”

It further called on Muslims to embrace the culture of verification and evidence, known as Tabayyun, and “desist from sharing unverified messages, claims and accusations that impugn the character of leaders and others.”

Muslim women’s hijab rights

The Council called on government agencies to respect the rights of Muslim female students, Muslim NYSC members, Muslim female personnel in security agencies and Muslim female staff in other workplaces to use hijab.

The NSCIA described the right as a “fundamental human right.”

The Assembly also faulted the authorities of the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos over what it described as hostile dispositions to Supreme Court judgments favouring the use of hijab in their International Schools.

It accused the institutions of making “futile attempts to redesignate such schools as private”, despite being established by public institutions, in order to manipulate court judgments against the right of female students to use hijab.

The Council urged the authorities to “retrace their steps by being law-abiding and inclusive.”

It also welcomed the Supreme Court judgment upholding the appellate court judgment in the case involving a mosque Muslim students sought to build at Rivers State University.

The NSCIA called on the Rivers State Government and university management to implement the judgment “without any further delay.”

Quality education for Muslim youth

The NSCIA urged Muslim leaders to prioritise quality education integrating sound Islamic knowledge with STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics — to secure the future of the Ummah.

It also exhorted parents and community leaders to pay greater attention to the moral guidance of youths who are increasingly exposed to “adverse foreign influences.”

The Council recognised Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, who made history by winning the first prize in the female category of the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and recommended her for national recognition.

PVCs, NINs

The Council exhorted Muslims to become role models and contribute effectively to nation-building, urging them to make faith “a source of character, not just a tag of identity.”

It also tasked Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and “participate fully in the process of selecting Nigerian leaders at all levels.”

The NSCIA further encouraged Muslim societies and organisations to build economic independence through lawful investments, cooperation and effective administration of Zakat and Waqf for sustainable poverty reduction.

NSCIA expands National Executive Committee

The General Assembly approved the renewal and expansion of the National Executive Committee of the Council.

The newly approved officers include Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji as Deputy Secretary-General (National Affairs); Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General (International Affairs); Abeni Obomeileh Mohammed, SAN, Deputy Secretary-General (Corporate Affairs); Dr Bala Muhammad, Deputy Secretary-General (Administration); Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Public Relations Officer; Hajia Sekinah T. Lawal, Deputy PRO; Dr Mairo Mandara, Development Officer; Arc. Abdullah Musa Abdul, Deputy Development Officer (Technical); and Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem, Family Affairs Officer.

The Assembly also adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations to reposition the Hajj industry for excellence.

It commended NAHCON and the Abuja National Mosque Management Board for their initiatives and honoured the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, for his contributions to education and nation-building during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) between August 2016 and July 2026.