Speaking at the agency’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Zakat Disbursement Ceremony, Prof. Maruf Adelekan attributed NAZAS’ success to the consistent support from donors. He emphasized the need for increased awareness and broader participation in Zakat, stressing its role in uplifting the less privileged and strengthening the Ummah.
The NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqah (NAZAS) has disbursed ₦174 million Zakat proceeds to beneficiaries across Nigeria, marking a continued commitment to supporting vulnerable Muslims despite the tough economic climate in 2024.
During the agency’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Zakat Disbursement Ceremony, NAZAS Chairman, Prof. Maruf Adelekan, celebrated the agency’s fourth consecutive year of collecting over ₦100 million.
He attributed the success to consistent support from donors and highlighted the need for increased awareness and participation in Zakat.
Prof. Adelekan reflected on the economic realities of the year, shaped by major reforms like fuel subsidy removal and FX unification. He noted that inflation, averaging 28%, was largely driven by surging food prices, logistics costs, and exchange rate pressures. 
The Chairman pointed out that the naira’s volatility, trading between ₦1,400 and ₦1,500 to the US dollar, coupled with elevated fuel prices averaging ₦850–₦900 per litre, contributed to a widespread cost-of-living crisis, severely eroding purchasing power.
Despite these significant economic pressures, which often reduce charitable giving, Prof. Adelekan lauded the agency’s remarkable adaptability and resilience.
He noted an encouraging increase in both Zakat and Sadaqat collections, attributing the success to strategic donor engagement, multi-channel mobilisation and the dedicated efforts of the volunteers.
“Since its inception in 2014, NAZAS has generated close to N₦900 million in Zakat and Sadaqat funds, impacting over 50,000 indigents.”
Professor Adelekan also mentioned the Train-To-Fund Scheme (TTFS) and the Tailored Disbursement platform, which are focused on creating sustainable value for beneficiaries.
… Hits ₦200m Zakat collection in 2025
The General Manager of NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqah (NAZAS), Alhaji Mufutau Adelotan announced a milestone in the agency’s fundraising efforts, revealing that NAZAS has raised over ₦200 million so far in 2025 — a sharp increase from ₦15.3 million when it launched in 2014.
Alhaji Adelotan highlighted NAZAS’ commitment to multi-faceted empowerment initiatives, notably the Train-To-Fund Scheme (TTFS), which equips small and medium-scale entrepreneurs with skills, tools, and financial support to grow their businesses.
Despite these successes, Ahaji Adelotan noted the challenge of insufficient Zakat awareness among Muslims, stressing the importance of fulfilling this Islamic obligation. “Many Muslims are unaware of the obligation and consequences of not paying Zakat. We need more education and engagement,” he said.
He also admitted that, although collections are growing, the demand for support in areas like healthcare, scholarships, and debt relief far exceeds available funds.
The Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Saheeh Oluwadare, assured NAZAS of government support, stating that the agency’s work tallies with the aim and objective of the Lagos Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
“I want to assure that what you are doing at NAZAS deserves commendation and support. I’m assuring you that the Ministry will work with you to achieve more success ,” he concluded.
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