The **[Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Supreme_Council_for_Islamic_Affairs)** has appealed to the **[Federal Government](https://www.nigeria.gov.ng)** to act urgently in slashing the cost of transportation and food, aiming to ease the hardship endured by ordinary Nigerians. The appeal was made in a communiqué issued following the council’s General Assembly in Abuja, which was themed “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation‑building”.
**What reforms does the NSCIA propose for security?**
The body recommends a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, anchored on professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, respect for fundamental rights, and effective coordination between federal and state security agencies. It also backs the introduction of decentralized policing to improve local responsiveness.
**How does the NSCIA address religious harmony?**
In its remarks on national security and cohesion, the NSCIA stressed that insecurity affects all Nigerians irrespective of faith, stating, “there is no genocide of Christians or any religious community in Nigeria as claimed in some quarters.” The council highlighted that Islam has been present in Igboland for generations and condemned any narrative that denies Muslims as indigenous to the region.
**What rights does the NSCIA defend for Muslim women?**
The communiqué called on all government agencies to honour the right of Muslim female students, **[National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)](https://www.nysc.gov.ng)** members, female personnel in security agencies, and women workers in other sectors to wear the hijab, describing it as a fundamental human right.
**What stance does the NSCIA take on religious practice and intra‑Ummah conduct?**
The council affirmed that Islam forbids compulsion in religion and that Muslims do not coerce others to convert. It urged Muslim scholars to settle disputes privately, avoid public attacks that embarrass the Ummah, and refrain from using Islam to incite hatred or violence. Additionally, the NSCIA encouraged believers to practice verification (Tabayyun) and to stop circulating unverified claims that damage the reputation of leaders or individuals.
The statements were signed by the council’s President‑General and **[Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_of_Sokoto)**, together with Secretary‑General Prof Ishaq Oloyede.