Follow Us on Google
…challenges them to get NIN, PVC, participate in leadership selection
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has mobilised Muslims across the country to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, urging them to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The council said Muslims should not remain passive in the process of selecting leaders at all levels, stressing that civic participation was part of their responsibility to the nation.
The call was contained in the resolutions of the NSCIA General Assembly held at the Abuja National Mosque on October 1, 2026, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.”
The Assembly, presided over by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, brought together Emirs, Obas, Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council charged Muslims to obtain their NINs and PVCs and participate fully in the process of selecting Nigerian leaders at all levels.
It also encouraged Muslim societies and organisations to pursue economic independence through lawful investments, cooperation and effective administration of Zakat and Waqf as instruments for sustainable poverty reduction.
The council urged Muslims to become role models in their places of work, saying they should contribute more effectively to nation-building by making faith a source of character and responsible conduct rather than merely an identity.
On national security, NSCIA said insecurity affected all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation, rejecting claims in some quarters that there was a genocide against Christians or any religious community in the country.
It called for urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture and supported decentralised policing, provided it was anchored on professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding and respect for fundamental rights.
The council also urged the Federal Government to expedite measures aimed at reducing the cost of transportation and food to ease the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
On religious rights, NSCIA called on government agencies to respect the right of Muslim female students, female NYSC members, female security personnel and Muslim female staff in other workplaces to use hijab.
It also faulted the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Lagos over what it described as hostile dispositions to Supreme Court judgments favouring hijab in their international schools.
The council urged the institutions to comply with the court judgments and promote inclusiveness.
The Assembly further adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.
It also honoured NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to educational development and nation-building during his tenure as JAMB Registrar from August 2016 to July 2026.
