The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has pledged that Islamic leaders will engage political leaders to press for measures that ease the hardship facing Nigerians.
He spoke on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the centenary celebration of Az-Zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyyah School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State. The school was founded by the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamaldeen Al-Adabiyy, the first Mufti of Ilorin.
The Sultan said religious leaders were aware of citizens’ concerns and would continue to draw the attention of those in government to the need for better living conditions, particularly for ordinary Nigerians.
His comments followed an appeal by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which he leads, for urgent action to reduce food and transportation costs. In a communiqué issued after its October 8 General Assembly in Abuja, the council called for faster implementation of measures to relieve the financial pressure on households.
The appeals come amid concerns about high food prices, transport fares and fuel costs. The Federal Government has said it is pursuing relief measures for households and businesses while maintaining the removal of the petrol subsidy introduced in 2023.
According to the report, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced a 30-day petrol price relief arrangement at NNPC Retail stations. The government said the temporary discount would come from the retailer’s margin rather than public funds.
The Sultan expressed confidence that Nigeria’s difficulties could be resolved, saying the country’s problems had solutions. He encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and pray for divine guidance.
He also urged prayers for President Bola Tinubu, governors, local government chairmen and other political leaders, asking that they be guided towards decisions that improve citizens’ welfare.
