The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers and Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
The council said choosing leaders at every level was a civic responsibility and urged Muslims to take an active role in the electoral process.
The appeal formed part of resolutions adopted at its General Assembly held at the Abuja National Mosque, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, presided over the assembly, which was attended by emirs, obas, chief imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of major Islamic organisations, and delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council urged Muslims to demonstrate integrity and exemplary conduct in their workplaces, saying faith should inspire responsible citizenship and practical contributions to national development.
It also encouraged Muslim organisations to strengthen their financial independence through lawful investments, cooperation and effective administration of Zakat and Waqf to reduce poverty sustainably.
On insecurity, NSCIA said violence affected Nigerians across religious divides and rejected claims that Christians or any other religious group were facing genocide in the country.
It called for urgent, comprehensive reform of the security system and supported decentralised policing, subject to constitutional safeguards.
The council said such a system must be built on professionalism, impartiality, accountability, reliable funding and respect for fundamental rights.
It further urged the Federal Government to accelerate measures to reduce transportation and food costs and ease the hardship confronting Nigerians.
On religious rights, NSCIA called on government agencies and other institutions to uphold the right of Muslim female students, National Youth Service Corps members, security personnel and employees to wear hijab.
The council criticised the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos over what it described as resistance to Supreme Court judgments favouring the use of hijab in their international schools.
It urged the institutions to comply with the judgments and ensure students are treated inclusively.
The assembly also adopted the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s 2026 report and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.
It honoured NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to education and nation-building during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board from August 2016 to July 2026.
