The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has appealed to the Federal Government to put into consideration the feelings and religious dictates of people of faith in its continued efforts to financially empower Nigerians.
Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, Chief Missioner, NASFAT, made the appeal in a statement on Monday.
Onike’s appeal was against the backdrop of a statement by Vice President Kashim Shettima, directing the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) on the disbursement of a-₦250 billion credit support for smallholder farmers at a single-digit interest rate.
The Vice President had directed the PFSCU to come up with an implementation roadmap for the disbursement of the funds during the sixth meeting of the PFSCU Steering Committee, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, it was necessary to avoid further delays and ensure that the target beneficiaries of the initiative were reached.
However, reacting to the development, Onike said that both Islam and Christianity strongly disapprove of interest-based loans.
The Chief Missioner listed the negative consequences of interest to include exploitation, inequality, unjust wealth distribution, an unsustainable economy, deterrence to production, and the undermining of social harmony.
He therefore enjoined the relevant government agencies to promptly convene a stakeholder forum where religious leaders could offer ethically sound advice.
The cleric also commended the Tinubu-led administration for its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the citizenry.
