Nigerian gov rolls out allowances for imams, mosques

One of the governors in the northern part of the country, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State  has unveiled new monthly stipends for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins, alongside fresh allocations to Jumu’at Mosques across the state.

Governor  Aliyu made the announcement on Saturday  at the graduation of 111 Qur’an memorisers at the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

He described the initiative as part of his administration’s effort to promote Islamic scholarship and encourage children to memorise the Qur’an.

“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 depending on their category. In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” Aliyu said.

The governor stressed that religious development holds a prime place in his “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” ranking just after security. “Encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among our children will help raise a generation that upholds the good teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he added.

Aliyu also directed the school’s management to secure land for a permanent site, promising state government support for its development.

At the event, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar applauded Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and commended Islamic scholars in the state for fostering peace and religious growth.

Former Sokoto governor Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to motivate their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continued backing for the foundation and announced a donation of N22 million and food items for the graduands and the school.

Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion into other states is aimed at giving children structured Qur’anic education and curbing street begging.

During the ceremony, each of the 111 graduating students received N20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government. The event concluded with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.