*Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, has restructured and expanded its National Executive Council (NEC).
The development followed decisions reached at the General Assembly of the Council held in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The General Assembly, attended by Muslim leaders, including traditional Islamic leaders and Chief Imams of Central Mosques across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), approved the renewal and expansion of the NSCIA National Executive Council.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Council’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the restructuring is aimed at strengthening the leadership and administrative structure of the apex Islamic body.
Under the new arrangement, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (National), while Prof. Salisu Shehu will serve as Deputy Secretary-General (International).
Mallam Abeny Mohammed (SAN) was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (Corporate), while Dr Bala Muhammad will serve as Deputy Secretary-General (Administration).
The Council also appointed Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu as Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Hajia Sekinat Lawal as Deputy Public Relations Officer (DPRO).
Other appointments include Dr Mairo Mandara as Development Officer; Arc Abdullahi Musa PenAbdul as Deputy Development Officer (Technical); and Prof. Fatimah Abdulkarim as Family Affairs Officer.
The NSCIA said the appointments were approved by the General Assembly as part of efforts to renew and expand the Council’s National Executive Council.
The General Assembly brought together representatives of the Nigerian Muslim community, including traditional rulers and Chief Imams from across the country, under the leadership of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Council expressed confidence that the expanded executive structure would enhance its capacity to coordinate Islamic affairs and strengthen its engagement with stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond.