Zakat transparency key to trust, poverty reduction, expert says

•NAZAS distributes N77m to 210 beneficiaries in Lagos

AN Islamic social finance expert and Chief Executive Officer of AS and Associates, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, has called for greater accountability in zakat administration, stressing that transparency in the collection and distribution of funds is vital to building public trust, reducing poverty, and strengthening unity within the Muslim community.

Dr Shuaib also urged eligible Muslims to subject their wealth to proper assessment to ensure accurate zakat payment, noting that correct valuation safeguards the interests of both donors and beneficiaries.

He made the call on Sunday at the 1447AH/2026 zakat disbursement programme organised by the Nasrul Lahi l Fatih Society Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat (NAZAS) at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

No fewer than 210 Nigerians benefitted from over N77 million disbursed at the event, receiving items such as washing machines, grinding machines, barbing salon equipment, and financial support to boost their livelihoods.

According to Dr Shuaib, accountability and proper assessment are central to ensuring zakat fulfils its purpose of promoting justice, alleviating hardship, and supporting the welfare of the less privileged.

He described zakat as more than wealth redistribution, saying it represents mercy, dignity, hope, and obedience to Allah.

“Zakat remains one of the greatest institutions in Islam because it purifies wealth, reduces hardship, strengthens communities, and unites hearts,” he said.

The former CEO of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation reminded administrators that they are custodians of a pillar of Islam and must discharge their duties with sincerity, fairness, accountability, and compassion.

He added that proper administration builds confidence in Islamic institutions and helps address socio-economic challenges.

Dr Shuaib also urged wealthy Muslims to view their possessions as a trust from Allah, emphasising that zakat is not a loss but a means of purification, protection, and increase.

He noted that it cleanses wealth from greed, attracts blessings, protects against unseen harm, and opens doors to unexpected provision.

He encouraged beneficiaries to accept the support with dignity and use it productively, describing zakat as a right ordained for those in need.

He added that beyond immediate relief, zakat creates opportunities for education, healthcare, shelter, and business growth, while inspiring recipients to become self-reliant and future donors.

Highlighting its broader impact, he said sincere payment and fair distribution of zakat contribute to a healthier society by reducing inequality, curbing envy, and promoting compassion and brotherhood.

He described the disbursement as an opportunity to “turn wealth into worship, hardship into hope, and neighbours into family.”

Earlier, NAZAS General Manager, Mr Mufutau Adelotan, said the disbursement formed part of the agency’s annual intervention programme following the Ramadan zakat drive.

He disclosed that support was extended across health, education, empowerment, debt relief, monthly stipends, and the Train-To-Fund Scheme.

According to him, beneficiaries were selected through a screening process after submitting applications.

He noted that the N77 million disbursement represents the largest intervention in the agency’s history.

“This is the first time we are disbursing this much, and it will get bigger. We hope to receive more support from donors to reach more vulnerable people,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the NASFAT President, Vice President II, Alhaji Ajiroba Maroof Adedokun, congratulated beneficiaries and urged wealthy Muslims to willingly submit to zakat assessment, describing it as a divine instruction to support the needy.

Stakeholders at the event commended NAZAS for its efforts while emphasising the need to strengthen transparency and trust in zakat administration.

Immediate former NAZAS chairman, Alhaji Hafiz Bakare, praised the initiative for demonstrating the impact of donors’ contributions and called for increased efforts to reach a N1 billion benchmark.

“Today’s event allows donors to see the impact of their zakat. The committee should work harder to achieve the N1 billion target next year,” he said.

Also, former NASFAT president, Mr Niyi Yusuf, expressed confidence that the agency could meet the target within a few years, urging beneficiaries to utilise the support wisely and aspire to become future contributors.

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Under the Train-To-Fund Scheme, 10 entrepreneurs will receive N1 million grants each after emerging from over 300 applicants.

Overseer of the programme, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Ayoola, said beneficiaries underwent a two-day training in business planning and financial management to ensure effective use of funds.

The annual disbursement highlights the growing role of organised zakat institutions in promoting accountability, alleviating poverty, and expanding economic empowerment within the Muslim community.