The Southern Nigerian Ulammah Summit, held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, has issued a strong call for unity, inclusive governance, and far-reaching reforms to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.
The gathering, which took place on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, brought together more than 350 scholars, leaders, and delegates drawn from the South-West, South-East, and South-South. A high-level delegation of Ulamah from Northern Nigeria also participated. The summit was convened on behalf of the Congregation of Southern Ulamah and featured leading Islamic organisations including JNI, Tijjaniyyah, JIBWIS, SCSN, MSSN, FOMWAN, TMC, Qadiriyyah, NIC, PAG and several others.
After extensive deliberations, the summit released a communiqué outlining key resolutions aimed at addressing national concerns.
The Ulammah reaffirmed that unity remains both a divine directive and a strategic necessity, urging Muslim leaders and organisations to prioritise collaboration over rivalry. According to the communiqué, internal cohesion enhances political voice, communal dignity, and national influence.
On national security, the Summit expressed deep worry over terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, oil theft, cybercrime and communal violence, which it said continue to obstruct development. It called for intelligence-driven reforms, stronger borders, youth empowerment, and measures that address root causes rather than merely symptoms.
A major highlight was the defence of the Halal economy. The Summit described it as an inclusive development tool that benefits Nigerians regardless of religion through Islamic banking, Sukuk, Takaful and other ethical financial instruments. It warned against politicising the Halal economy, stressing that it is adopted even in Christian-majority states and non-Muslim countries like the UK, USA, Japan and South Africa. It urged government to scale up Halal financial frameworks as part of Nigeria’s national development strategy.
Reiterating Islam’s rejection of terrorism and extremism, the Summit condemned any attempt to weaponise religion or attribute the actions of criminals to the Muslim community.
The communiqué also linked Nigeria’s economic challenges to corruption, mismanagement and institutional weaknesses. It called for fiscal transparency, diversification and major investments in education, healthcare, agriculture and technology.
Delegates expressed concern over what they described as longstanding underrepresentation of Muslims across political appointments, public service, media, education policy and infrastructure planning in Southern Nigeria. They noted that despite their strong support for the current administration during the 2023 polls, Southern Muslims have not been fairly represented. The Summit demanded more inclusive governance reflective of constitutional rights and demographic realities.
The Ulammah further reasserted the constitutional rights of Muslims to access Shariah courts, Islamic personal law, religious education, Halal finance, burial systems and freedom of religious expression in public institutions.
Responding to claims of “systematic genocide” against Christians in Nigeria, the Summit dismissed such allegations as inflammatory and lacking factual basis, insisting that Muslims constitute the majority of victims of insurgency and security-related violence. It urged national discourse rooted in truth and verifiable data.
On national leadership, the Summit faulted INEC Chairman Professor Amupitan’s past comments endorsing claims of religious persecution, saying they compromise his neutrality. It called for his resignation or replacement to preserve electoral credibility.
The summit also mourned the recent abductions of 25 secondary school students in Kebbi State and the death of Brigadier General Uba and other personnel during the Bula-Tulu operation. Prayers were offered for victims, their families, and the safe recovery of those still missing.
Commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices despite limited resources, the Summit called for improved welfare, equipment, training and accountability structures.
In its conclusion, the Southern Nigerian Ulammah Summit prayed for unity within the Ummah and for peace, stability, and prosperity across Nigeria, urging all stakeholders to work collectively toward building a secure and dignified nation.