Customs Chief Hails Al-Habbiyyah Mosque for Ramadan Feeding of Thousands
Community initiative feeds 2,000 daily while easing pressure on families amid rising food costs
By Abdullahi Yusuf
At sunset in Abuja, hundreds gather in the courtyard of the Al-Habbiyyah Islamic Society headquarters waiting for the evening call to prayer.
Every evening, the society’s Ramadan feeding programme provides iftar meals for about 2,000 people, from labourers and commuters to families struggling with rising living costs in Nigeria’s capital.
The initiative has drawn national attention this year after the head of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, visited the programme and publicly praised its impact.
Speaking during an iftar gathering at the centre, Adeniyi described the initiative as a powerful example of community solidarity during difficult economic times.
“Whenever the issue of food comes up, my mind goes to one of the programmes initiated by President Bola Tinubu,” he said, referring to the government’s efforts to tackle food inflation.
Nigeria has struggled with soaring food prices in recent years, driven by high fuel costs, currency pressures and disruptions in agricultural production.
Adeniyi recalled that during a surge in food inflation ahead of Ramadan the previous year, the government instructed the customs service to suspend import duties on certain food items.
The temporary measure, ordered by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was aimed at easing pressure on households by allowing cheaper food imports into the country.
“As Comptroller-General of Customs, I was responsible for implementing the suspension of duties on imported food items for six months,” Adeniyi said. “It was a policy I was very pleased to carry out.”
He added that the policy, alongside other government interventions, helped reduce inflationary pressure during that period.
But the customs chief said programmes like the Al-Habbiyyah food bank remain essential in supporting communities directly.
Standing among volunteers and worshippers, he thanked members of the organisation’s Food Basket Committee, particularly the women who prepare the meals daily.
“They should continue their efforts,” he said. “Almighty Allah will reward those who cook, those who donate resources and everyone sustaining the programme.”
Ramadan food banks have become increasingly common across Nigerian cities as families grapple with rising living costs.
Faith groups, charities and community organisations often step in to provide meals during the fasting month, helping those who might otherwise struggle to afford daily food.
The Al-Habbiyyah programme has become one of the most visible examples in Abuja.
Government officials say such community efforts complement broader attempts to stabilise food prices.
At the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said the government had established a national committee to monitor food costs.
According to him, the committee meets regularly under the supervision of the National Security Adviserto review price movements and supply challenges.
“One of the major problems we have addressed is the issue of multiple checkpoints affecting the movement of food across the country,” he said, referring to longstanding complaints from traders and transporters.
The mosque’s chief imam, Fuad Adeyemi, said the feeding initiative depends on donations from individuals, charities and philanthropic organisations.
He thanked Adeniyi, government representatives, the MacArthur Foundation and other supporters who have helped sustain the programme.
Ramadan, he said, is a time when Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of charity and compassion.
“Many people contribute so that those who are fasting can break their fast with dignity,” he said.
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