By Ramat Ayo Ismail
Amid deepening poverty, food insecurity, and elite-driven economic exclusion, a prominent scholar has proposed Islamic principles of fair resource distribution as a morally grounded solution to Nigeria’s persistent humanitarian challenges.
Prof AbdulGafar Ijaya of the faculty of Social Science University of Ilorin, stated this at a symposium organized by the Federation of Muslim women’s Association in Nigeria FOMWAN, Kwara State chapter.
Held at FONWAN Multipurpose Hall, Fate Road, Ilorin, the symposium has the theme”Tackling Global Socio- Economic and Humanitarian Challenges Arising From; Economic Instability as a result of non inclusive Economic policies, Inadequate Developmental projects & Inadequate training in sustainable food production”.
In his presentation title “Humanitarian Challenges Through Islamic Principles of Fair and Equitable Resource Distribution: A Case Study of Nigeria,”Prof Ijaya identified non-inclusive economic policies, poorly executed developmental projects, and deficits in sustainable food production as the core drivers of instability.
These issues, according to the professor, have led to massive wealth concentration among a few, widespread poverty, severe food insecurity, and humanitarian crises affecting millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
“Vast arable land exists, yet declining yields due to lack of climate-smart training, post-harvest losses, and middlemen hoarding continue to fuel hyper-inflation”.
Prof Ijaya noted developmental projects are often poorly conceptualised, lack community input, or are abandoned to corruption, further marginalising the grassroots while favouring elites.
Prof Ijaya argues that the Islamic economic framework provides a robust alternative rooted in justice (Adl) and stewardship. Central tenets include the belief that ultimate ownership of wealth belongs to the Creator, with humans acting as stewards (Khulafa), and an explicit prohibition on wealth concentration among the rich.
“Key institutions highlighted include: Zakat (obligatory alms for wealth purification and redistribution),
Sadaqah (voluntary charity for public welfare),Waqf (Islamic endowments for long-term sustainable asset management)”, he said
“The framework also prohibits exploitative practices such as Ihtikar (hoarding of essential goods, especially food), Riba (usury and interest), and Gharar (deception and excessive uncertainty).
Practical applications for Nigeria
applying these principles, Prof Ijaya recommended shifting policy formulation through Shura (mutual consultation), involving local communities and women to reduce elite capture. Macroeconomic decisions, such as subsidy removals, should be paired with strong social safety nets to protect the poor.
For developmental projects, he advocated for a transition from debt-trap financing to the Waqf system. High-net-worth individuals and corporates could endow assets like real estate and agricultural land, with yields ring-fenced for public infrastructure, healthcare, and education bypassing volatile oil revenues and foreign debt.
On food security, Prof Ijaya called for strict enforcement of anti-hoarding laws, aligning with Islamic condemnation of price manipulation. Zakat funds should move beyond temporary relief toward long-term capacity building, including climate-resilient farming training, mechanised tools, and drought-resistant seeds for farmers.
“The ultimate goal is to transform subsistence farmers into commercial producers and future Zakat payers,” he emphasised.
Prof Ijaya outlined several actionable steps for Nigeria:
Institutionalise modern Waqf through regulatory frameworks to channel private wealth into agriculture and infrastructure.
Promote productive utilisation of Zakat for agricultural training and rural micro-financing.
Frame hoarding of food and essentials as both an economic crime and a moral violation.
Establish grassroots advisory councils to embed Shura in policy-making.
He concluded that resolving Nigeria’s economic instability, exclusion, dysfunctional projects, and unsustainable food systems requires dismantling structures of greed and exclusion.
In Muslim-majority communities, the Islamic economic framework holds particular importance. A highly resilient economy is cultivated through fair and equitable resource allocation,” Prof Ijaya stated.
“The successful distribution of resources rests on three key pillars: the institutionalisation of Waqf, the productive utilisation of Zakat, and a strict ban on hoarding.”
The professor’s intervention comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with multidimensional poverty and food crises, offering a faith-based perspective on sustainable development that could resonate across policy, religious, and community.
In her remarks on the sub theme of the seminar, titled Climate Change and it’s resistance effects on human health, especially women ,Prof Muhinat B. Bello of the Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education University of Ilorin, explained that women often face greater exposure to risks due to societal roles, limited access to resources, and biological factors, leading to severe consequences for maternal health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
Bello stated that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable in extreme heat, air pollution, and disruptions from floods or droughts that are linked to increased rates of preterm births, low birth weight, stillbirths, and complications like hypertension.
“Food and water insecurity, worsened by climate variability, further compound malnutrition risks for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In many regions, women are primary caregivers and food providers, placing them at the front lines of scarcity” ,she noted
On mental health, Bello stated that women have higher levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and “climate grief” following disasters.
Experts advocate for gender-responsive climate policies, including better integration of women’s health in adaptation strategies, improved access to reproductive services during crises, and more research into these intersections.
“Addressing climate change through a gender lens is not just equitable it’s essential for global health resilience,”
she noted.
“Public health systems, policymakers, and communities must prioritize women’s health to build a more resilient future”.
Earlier in her opening remarks the FOMWAN Amirah Hajia Biliqis Modupe Oladimeji highlighted the organization’s growth from humble beginning to become Nigeria’s leading umbrella body for Muslim women associations.
Oladimeji advocated for increased women’s representation in leadership positions.
She explained that the programme was in line with the association’s 40th anniversary and also noted that women, as mothers, would continue to contribute significantly to national development if given appropriate quotas in governance.
The Amirah expressed concern over recent banditry incidents in Kwara State and called on the government to reinvigorate efforts to secure the nation.
Highlights of the activities include visit to General Manager Harmony FM Idofian, Hajia Binta Abubakar Mora and Emirate FM and as well as a guide on poultry production and liquid soap production.
The association thereafter used the opportunity to present ICONIC Award to GM, Harmony FM, Hajia Binta Abubakar Mora and studio manager Geri FM.
