Muslim leaders converge on Abuja for NSCIA General Assembly, Nigeria’s apex Islamic council

Nigeria’s apex Islamic council expands leadership structure, appoints MUSWEN President Oladejo BoT member

‘Muslims must be allowed to practise their religion without hindrance’ — Sultan

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the umbrella body of Nigeria’s Muslims, has reconvened its General Assembly after about seven years, bringing together Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic organisations, public office holders and prominent personalities from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.

The General Assembly was held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Conference Room of the National Mosque in Abuja and was presided over by the President General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.

The gathering coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and followed a Special National Prayer for Nigeria held at the Abuja National Mosque Complex on Wednesday, September 30.

The Assembly, the Council’s highest decision making organ and largest gathering, featured discussions on Muslim unity, religious freedom, education, Hajj administration, public responsibility, institutional reforms and its leadership structure.

Prayer before deliberation

The Special National Prayer, held a day before the General Assembly, brought Muslim leaders and worshippers together to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, security, good governance and sustainable development.

The prayer also sought divine guidance, protection and blessings for the country and its citizens.

The national gathering then proceeded with the General Assembly, which provided a platform for representatives of Islamic organisations, State Councils for Islamic Affairs, the General Purpose Committee, Expanded General Purpose Committee, Muslim public office holders and prominent Muslim personalities.

Representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were also part of the broad representation.
Seven years later, Assembly returns
The return of the General Assembly came after about seven years without a full meeting of the Council’s highest decision making organ.

Explaining the long interval, Sultan Abubakar said the Council had continued to function through meetings of its expanded General Purpose Committee, but some matters required the participation and consideration of the full General Assembly.

He also cited financial constraints as one of the factors that made it difficult to convene the wider gathering.

The Sultan described the meeting as an opportunity for Muslims to come together as “one big family of Islam” and deliberate on matters affecting the Ummah and the country.

Sultan: Muslims must be more conscious of their responsibilities

Addressing the Assembly, Sultan Abubakar urged Muslims to pay greater attention to their responsibilities at a time he described as significant for both Nigeria and the wider world.

“It is coming at a time when we should be attentive, we should be a little more conscious because we all know the situation in the country, the situation in the world, and we Muslims have a lot of roles to play,” he said.

He called for greater commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible participation in society.

The Sultan also reminded Muslims that service to Islam and humanity did not always have to be publicised, noting that many people contribute quietly without seeking recognition.

Unity takes centre stage

Muslim unity was one of the dominant themes of the Assembly, with the Sultan stressing the importance of Muslims working together despite differences.

He urged Muslims to remain conscious of their shared faith and responsibilities while respecting differences within the wider society.

The Council’s structure brings together different Islamic organisations, State Councils and Muslim stakeholders, giving the General Assembly a national platform for consultation and coordination.

‘We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam’

The Sultan also addressed the issue of religious freedom and conversion, stressing that Islam does not support coercion in matters of faith.

“We do not intend to force anybody to join Islam. But we have seen how many people have been joining Islam on their own free will because Almighty Allah said there is no compulsion in religion,” he said.

He called for Muslims to be allowed to practise their religion without hindrance while also urging them to respect the rights and freedoms of people of other faiths.

“What we need in this country and anywhere else is for us, as Muslims, to be allowed to practise our religion without hindrance,” the Sultan said.

He added that Muslims should respect other faiths and should not compel anyone to embrace Islam.

“The best amongst us is he who is most pious,” he said.

Sultan speaks on service without publicity

The Sultan also used the gathering to recognise the contributions of Muslims who serve the community without seeking public recognition.

He said Muslims should understand that service to Islam and humanity was not necessarily about receiving awards or publicity, but about fulfilling responsibilities and contributing positively to society.

His remarks reinforced the call for Muslims in positions of influence to see their responsibilities as a trust.

NSCIA clarifies its position on politics
The Sultan also clarified the Council’s position on politics, stressing that the NSCIA is not a political organisation or a vehicle for partisan politics.

He said the Council engages political actors and governments because Muslims, like other citizens, have concerns that need to be communicated and addressed.

However, he maintained that such engagement should not be interpreted as the Council becoming a partisan political organisation.

The position places the Council’s national engagement within its broader religious and community responsibilities.

MUSWEN President Oladejo appointed NSCIA BoT member

A major leadership development at the General Assembly was the ratification of the appointment of the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Deputy President General (South) of NSCIA, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, FCS, as a member of the Council’s Board of Trustees.

The appointment was ratified during the Assembly presided over by Sultan Abubakar.

Oladejo, an eminent financial expert and former Deputy Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, succeeds the late former MUSWEN President and former Deputy President General (South) of NSCIA, Alhaji (Dr) Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola, OON.

The appointment further strengthens the representation of the South West Muslim community within the national Islamic council.

MUSWEN coordinates Islamic affairs across the six South West states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo and serves as a major component of the NSCIA’s South West structure.

Oladejo’s existing position as Deputy President General (South) places him at the centre of the Council’s coordination of Muslim affairs in the region.

NSCIA expands National Executive Council

The NSCIA has subsequently confirmed an expanded National Executive Council following decisions reached at the General Assembly.

In a statement dated October 3, 2026, and signed by the Council’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA said the General Assembly approved the renewal and expansion of its National Executive Council.

The updated structure comprises nine specialised positions.

Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji was appointed Deputy Secretary General (National), while Professor Salisu Shehu was assigned Deputy Secretary General (International).

Mr Abeny Mohammed, SAN, was appointed Deputy Secretary General (Corporate), while Dr Bala Muhammad became Deputy Secretary General (Administration).

The Council also appointed Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu as Public Relations Officer and Hajia Sekinat Lawal as Deputy Public Relations Officer.

Dr Mairo Mandara was appointed Development Officer, while Arc Abdullahi Musa PenAbdul became Deputy Development Officer (Technical).

Professor Fatimah Abdulkarim was appointed Family Affairs Officer.

The appointments broaden the executive structure of the Council beyond the four Deputy Secretary General portfolios announced immediately after the General Assembly and provide dedicated responsibilities for national affairs, international affairs, corporate matters, administration, communications, development and family affairs.

Oloyede honoured, puts education on the front burner

One of the highlights of the General Assembly was the recognition of the Secretary General of the NSCIA, Professor Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, for his outstanding service to the nation and the Muslim Ummah.

The Sultan of Sokoto presented a plaque of honour to Oloyede during the Assembly in recognition of his contributions to Islam and national development.

The recognition came shortly after Oloyede bowed out as Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), a position he held for 10 years.

During his decade at the helm of JAMB, Oloyede was widely recognised for his meticulous approach to the administration of the examination body and his emphasis on reforms, efficiency and accountability.

The Sultan’s presentation was witnessed by delegates and other participants at the General Assembly, with the recognition highlighting Oloyede’s public service record and contribution to national development.

Speaking at the Assembly, Oloyede urged Muslim leaders to prioritise education, calling for Muslim children to be equipped with both Islamic and Western education.

He also called for greater support for young people and increased Muslim representation in the media and public institutions, while stressing that competence and excellence should remain central to public service.

“The current generation must be sound in both Islamic and Western education,” Oloyede said.

He also raised concerns about Hajj administration, arguing that government’s role should largely be facilitative and cautioning against sponsoring people who cannot afford the pilgrimage.

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