The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Tuesday declared the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH, and called on Nigerians to embrace unity, resilience and collective action in the face of worsening insecurity and economic challenges confronting the country.

The President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the beginning of the new Hijrah year.

The Council said the declaration followed the successful sighting and verification of the new moon of Muharram by the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country after Muslims were directed to look out for the crescent on June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH.

Reflecting on the significance of the Hijrah, the NSCIA urged Muslims to draw inspiration from the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), describing it as a timeless symbol of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, resilience and unwavering trust in Allah.

The Council said the occasion should serve as a period of spiritual renewal, self-examination and renewed commitment to justice, compassion, righteousness and service to humanity.

However, the NSCIA expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current situation, describing the nation as one of the most difficult periods in its recent history.

According to the Council, widespread insecurity, economic hardship and growing uncertainty continue to threaten national stability and citizens’ well-being.

It lamented the persistent attacks by bandits in the North-West, the activities of insurgents in the North-East and the increasing wave of kidnappings spreading across different parts of the country, including the South-West.

The Council, in a statement signed by the Public Affairs Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Abbas Jimoh, condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, warning that such incidents pose a serious threat to the nation’s future and require urgent and decisive action.

The NSCIA also highlighted the harsh economic realities facing millions of Nigerians, citing rising living costs, food inflation and unemployment as major burdens on households across the country.

While acknowledging ongoing government reforms, the Council urged authorities to complement such measures with effective social protection programmes and targeted interventions that would cushion the impact on the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

Calling for national unity, the Council stressed that insecurity, poverty and other national challenges do not discriminate along religious or ethnic lines and therefore require collective solutions.

“We must reject divisive narratives and work together as one people. The challenges confronting Nigeria affects everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity or region,” the Council stated.

The NSCIA urged the government to sustain engagement with stakeholders in pursuit of lasting solutions to the country’s security and socio-economic challenges.

It also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, community influencers and citizens to promote dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

While expressing support for ongoing reforms in the security sector, the Council maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice, accountability and good governance.

It stressed that leaders at all levels must remain committed to transparency and the fight against corruption, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

The Council further urged political leaders and public office holders to place the national interest above partisan considerations and to avoid actions or statements that could undermine national unity and social cohesion.

As Muslims begin the new Hijrah year, the NSCIA encouraged increased devotion through prayers, charity, acts of kindness and supplications for the nation.

It prayed for lasting peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development in Nigeria, while seeking divine guidance for the country’s leaders and protection for all citizens.

The Council wished Muslims a peaceful, rewarding and spiritually fulfilling Islamic New Year. (The Nation)