Islamic leaders issue strong policy demands at regional summit in Ibadan

By Bukola Hameed

More than 350 Islamic scholars and leaders from across Southern Nigeria convened at the University of Ibadan on Wednesday for a high-level summit focused on Nigeria’s worsening economic and security crises.

The gathering, held under the theme “Confronting the Economic and Security Challenges in Nigeria,” brought together representatives of major Islamic organisations from the South-West, South-East and South-South, alongside delegations from Northern Nigeria.

The summit, organised under the umbrella of the Congregation of Southern Ulamah, drew participation from Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Tijjaniyyah, JIBWIS, Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), FASON, Qadiriyyah, Nigeria Council of Ulamah, MSSN, NACOMYO, TMC, FOMWAN and several regional coalitions, marking one of the most extensive Islamic consultative meetings held in the South in recent years.

In a communiqué issued at the close of deliberations, the scholars adopted a series of resolutions addressing governance, security, the economy, and the rights of Muslims in the region.

The summit emphasised that unity among Muslim organisations is both a religious obligation and a strategic necessity. Leaders were urged to prioritise collaboration over internal rivalries, stressing that a cohesive Muslim community is essential for political influence, social dignity, and national development.

Delegates voiced strong concern over the escalating insecurity nationwide—including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, cybercrime, oil theft and cult-related violence. They called for intelligence-led security reforms, stronger borders, a reinforced justice system, and youth-focused socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

The summit described Nigeria’s expanding Halal economy, including Islamic banking, Sukuk infrastructure bonds and Takaful insurance, as a “vital tool” for ethical and inclusive economic growth. It rejected efforts to politicise Halal finance, noting that Christian-majority states and several non-Muslim countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Japan and South Africa actively utilise Islamic financial instruments.

The scholars urged the federal government to strengthen regulatory support and scale up Halal economic frameworks across all regions.

The communiqué strongly reiterated that Islam rejects all forms of terrorism, insurgency and violence against civilians, urging Nigerians to avoid attributing criminal activities to the Muslim community.

Delegates cited corruption, mismanagement and weak institutions as drivers of Nigeria’s economic decline. They called for renewed transparency, economic diversification and robust investment in education, healthcare, agriculture and technology.

The summit expressed concern about the persistent underrepresentation of Southern Muslims in government appointments, public service, media, and policy-making structures. It noted that the demographic and political contributions of Muslims in the South—particularly during the 2023 elections—have not been adequately reflected in national decision-making.

The scholars reaffirmed the constitutional rights of Muslims to access Shariah-compliant legal, educational and financial systems. They warned against policies or practices that impede Islamic personal law, religious expression, Halal finance access, or faith-based burial systems.

The summit criticised claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as inflammatory and unsupported by evidence. According to the communiqué, data indicates that Muslims constitute the majority of victims of insurgency, extrajudicial killings and internal displacement nationwide.

Delegates argued that past public comments by INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan compromise his neutrality, urging his resignation or replacement to safeguard electoral integrity and national unity.

The summit condemned the recent abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State, praying for the safe rescue of those still missing. It also offered condolences to the Nigerian Army over the killing of Brigadier General Uba and troops in the Bula-Tulu operation.

Despite persistent challenges, the summit praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies for their courage and sacrifice, calling for improved welfare, equipment and accountability systems.