* As The Companion disburses 119m Zakat proceeds to businesses, underprivileged Nigerians
* Senator Salis advocates centralized Zakat framework
Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has highlighted the transformative potential of Zakat.
He stressed that a more strategic administration could significantly reduce poverty and improve lives across Nigeria.
The ex-NAHCON Chairman made the call at the 2025/1446AH Zakat Distribution of The Companion in Lagos, where over N119 million was distributed to business owners and underprivileged Nigerians.
Delivering a compelling lecture titled “Zakat: Purifying Wealth, Uplifting Society,” Alhaji Kunle Hassan described Zakat as a form of social security that, when properly harnessed can bridge the wealth gap and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
The former NAHCON boss lauded The Companion’s rising credibility and transparency, noting the significant increase in Zakat collections this year compared to the previous one.
He attributed this growth to the organization’s integrity and donor confidence, projecting an ambitious target of over N200 million in Zakat collections for 2026/1447AH.
“We now need to advocate for tax relief for Zakat payers,” Alhaji Hassan said, aligning the call with global best practices.
“Just as corporate organizations benefit from tax incentives, individual and institutional Zakat payers in Nigeria should also be eligible. This will further encourage compliance and increase the fund base for impactful interventions.”
He stressed the importance of avoiding “commercial begging” and warned beneficiaries against serial applications. Instead, he encouraged responsible use of the support received, with the hope that today’s beneficiaries would become tomorrow’s donors.
Reiterating the spiritual and economic significance of Zakat, Ustadh Hassan emphasized that the gesture is not merely charitable but a divine obligation with societal benefits.
“Zakat purifies wealth, attracts blessings, and reduces social tension. It is the most equitable and efficient tool of wealth redistribution in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”
Senator Salis advocates centralized Zakat framework in Nigeria
Speaking earlier at the event that attracted Muslim leaders across strata, Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salis, advocated for a centralized Zakat framework in Nigeria.
According to him, duplications of Zakat collection platforms limit impact. He suggested the establishment of a coordinated Zakat network to influence policy, including possible tax relief for contributors.
Senator Salis, who chaired the event, identified three primary Zakat categories: business support, emergency relief, and academic sponsorship. He shared the story of Dr. Fatai Azeez, a past beneficiary whose abandoned PhD program was revived through Zakat support.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security challenged current beneficiaries to transform into wealth creators, urging them to collaborate and maintain transparency to attract institutional funding.
National Naibul Amir of The Companion Zakat Foundation, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, revealed that a new CEO and Executive Secretary have been appointed to scale up the group’s operations.
He confirmed that over 600 applicants were received nationwide, with 300 processed from the Lagos District alone.
Partner faith-based institutions to tackle poverty, National Amir tells FG
In his goodwill message, National Amir of The Companion, Engr. Kamil Olalekan, announced ongoing efforts to formally incorporate the organization’s Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf operations into a fully staffed foundation.
He also called on the government to integrate Zakat administrators into national poverty alleviation frameworks.
According to a World Bank report, only 37% of targeted poor households had received government relief since 2023. Engr. Olalekan urged the government to collaborate with faith-based institutions like The Companion to scale up support systems.
The event was well attended by notable personalities including Alhaji F.B Ali-Oluwafuyi, former National Amir of The Companion Barr. Musbau Oyefeso, and members of the women’s wing, The Criterion, led by Alhaja Maryam Shabah.
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