Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has reaffirmed the transformative power of Zakat in addressing poverty and empowering communities, calling for strategic reforms in its administration across the country.
Speaking at the 2025/1446AH Zakat Distribution Ceremony of The Companion in Lagos, where over N119 million was disbursed to small business owners and underprivileged Nigerians, Alhaji Hassan described Zakat as a powerful tool of social security capable of bridging the wealth gap and driving sustainable development when managed effectively.
In his keynote address titled “Zakat: Purifying Wealth, Uplifting Society,” he emphasized the need for better incentives and systems to support Zakat compliance. “We now need to advocate for tax relief for Zakat payers,” he said, urging the government to adopt global best practices that reward charitable contributions with tax incentives. He argued that such a policy would encourage higher compliance and expand the pool of Zakat funds available for social interventions.
Alhaji Hassan also commended The Companion for its transparency and growing credibility, which he said have boosted donor confidence. He revealed that the foundation witnessed a notable increase in Zakat collections this year compared to the last, and projected that it could exceed N200 million in 2026/1447AH if current momentum is maintained.
He cautioned beneficiaries against habitual dependence on Zakat, warning against the culture of “commercial begging.” Instead, he encouraged recipients to use the funds wisely to uplift their lives and eventually become donors themselves. “Zakat purifies wealth, attracts blessings, and reduces social tension. It is the most equitable and efficient tool of wealth redistribution in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, called for a centralized Zakat framework in Nigeria. He argued that scattered collection efforts reduce overall impact and proposed a coordinated network that could shape national policies and potentially secure tax reliefs for contributors.
Senator Salis outlined the key focus areas for Zakat disbursement, which include business empowerment, emergency relief, and academic sponsorship. He cited the inspiring case of Dr. Fatai Azeez, a former beneficiary whose PhD program was revived through Zakat support. He urged current recipients to transition into wealth creators, advocating for collaborative efforts and transparency to attract larger institutional funding.
National Naibul Amir of The Companion Zakat Foundation, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, announced leadership changes within the organization, noting the appointment of a new CEO and Executive Secretary to scale up the foundation’s operations. He revealed that over 600 applications were received nationwide, with 300 processed from the Lagos District alone.
In his goodwill message, National Amir of The Companion, Engr. Kamil Olalekan, announced efforts to formalize the foundation’s Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf operations into a professionally run entity. He called on the federal government to collaborate with credible faith-based organizations like The Companion in its poverty alleviation agenda.
Citing a World Bank report showing that only 37% of intended poor households had received government relief since 2023, Engr. Olalekan stressed the importance of partnering with institutions that have grassroots reach and a track record of accountability.
The event drew notable personalities including former National Amir Alhaji F.B Ali-Oluwafuyi, Barr. Musbau Oyefeso, and members of the women’s wing of The Companion, The Criterion, led by Alhaja Maryam Shabah.
