The Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON), an umbrella body responsible for the collection and distribution of islamic charity has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to utilize the organization’s ability in the fight against poverty in the county.
The Chairman of the Association, Engr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, (Sadaukin Sokoto), made this call at a news conference in Kano on Wednesday.
According to him, AZAWON’s findings from the Islamic Social Finance report (2015) indicates that the potential of Zakat represents 1.8% of Nigeria’s GDP.
At the same time, the resources required to eradicate poverty accounted for only 1.4% of GDP, meaning that the Foundation is capable of reducing the poverty level of the country to an extreme stand point of about $1.25 per day.
Maidoki emphasized that Zakat is not only a religious obligation but also a transformative tool that uplifts communities and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
He said AZAWON is the umbrella body for institutions and individuals managing Islamic charity in Nigeria, spans governmental, corporate, and emirate-based Zakat, Waqf, and Islamic developmental organizations across over 25 states of the federation.
Maidoki highlighted the importance of Islamic social finance instruments, such as Zakat and Waqf, as sustainable solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
“Zakat is ordained by Allah as a method for wealth redistribution and an antidote to economic and social inequality,” he stated.
He further pointed out that countries embracing Islamic social finance have made significant strides in combating poverty.
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“Beyond the orthodox approach to economic growth and sustainability, Nigerian governments at all levels have much to learn from the frameworks adopted by Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia in addressing poverty,” he added.
Maidoki reiterated AZAWON’s commitment to ensuring the effective collection, distribution, and management of Zakat.
“Our member organizations are dedicated to upholding the best practices in reaching out to the poor and engaging those with means, ensuring accountability and responsibility,” he said.
The association also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and state governors for their continued support in promoting Zakat and Waqf practices in Nigeria.
Maidoki announced AZAWON’s plans to host the 4th National Conference from December 12 to 16, 2024, in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
Reflecting on the success of previous conferences held in Sumaila (2021), Kaduna (2022), and Dutse (2023), he said, “The theme of this year’s conference, Application of Islamic Alternatives to Welfare Systems in Nigeria: Issues and Ways Forward, is timely as Nigeria seeks a pragmatic social welfare framework to address destitution, unemployment, inequality, and social injustice.”
The conference is expected to bring together stakeholders to discuss actionable strategies for leveraging Islamic alternatives to achieve sustainable development and equitable wealth distribution in Nigeria.
