THE Commander-General of the Jigawa State Hisba Board, Dr. Muhammad Faiz Bashir, has highlighted a series of reforms and achievements recorded by the institution under the administration of Governor Umar Namadi, saying the Board has undergone a major transformation since its establishment by law in 2023.
News Point Nigeria reports that in an exclusive interview reviewing the Board’s performance during the three years of Governor Namadi’s administration, Dr. Bashir said the creation of the Hisba Board through legislation has provided the institution with autonomy, a standard operational structure and a clearer mandate for carrying out its responsibilities across the state.
According to him, Hisba, an Islamic propagation institution established to inculcate moral behaviour and promote a better and decent society, has existed in Jigawa State for more than two decades. However, for almost 20 years, it operated largely like an association without autonomy or a well-defined operational structure.
He explained that the situation changed with the inauguration of Governor Namadi’s administration in 2023, when the government established the Hisba Board through a law aimed at reshaping its activities and ensuring that it operates under a standard organisational framework.
Dr. Bashir disclosed that one of the major reforms introduced by the administration was the improvement of personnel welfare. According to him, Governor Namadi approved an increase in the monthly minimum wage of Hisba personnel from N6,000 to N25,000.
He added that the administration also expanded the Board’s workforce from 1,200 to 2,600 personnel and provided it with an independent annual budget allocation to strengthen its operations.
The Commander-General further revealed that each of the Board’s 27 local government command offices has been allocated a brand-new Hilux vehicle to enhance operational efficiency.
He noted that two additional Hilux vehicles were allocated to the state headquarters in Dutse, while six others were provided for the Board’s six zonal offices spread across the state.
According to him, the uniforms of Hisba personnel have also been modernised to meet contemporary standards, adding that both the newly acquired operational vehicles and the upgraded uniforms will soon be officially launched by Governor Namadi.
Commenting on the Board’s operational activities, Dr. Bashir said Hisba has continued to play a significant role in conflict resolution and community peacebuilding.
He disclosed that within a period of three months, the Board received and successfully settled more than 500 civil cases through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms outside the courts.
According to him, six other cases were prosecuted in line with the provisions of the law establishing the Board, which empowers it to initiate prosecution when necessary.
Dr. Bashir described Hisba as a friendly organisation committed to promoting a crime-free, healthy and morally upright society.
He stressed that the Board works closely with other security agencies in the state to achieve its objectives and ensure social harmony.
The Commander-General further stated that with what he described as a reasonable and sizeable workforce, larger than that of many state government agencies—the Board is determined to operate strictly within the provisions of the law establishing it.
He said the institution would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to rid Jigawa State of immoral activities through intelligence gathering, guidance and counselling programmes, as well as Da’awa enlightenment campaigns.
Dr. Bashir reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting moral values, maintaining public order and supporting the government’s efforts to build a peaceful, disciplined and responsible society across Jigawa State.