Zakat in Nigeria: state boards and charities
Nigeria's Zakat landscape varies: official state boards in parts of the north, and private or charity-based giving elsewhere.
In Nigeria, several northern states operate official Zakat and endowment boards that collect and distribute Zakat, while in other regions Zakat is given through charities or directly to those in need. Calculate your Zakat in naira on your Zakat date and give it — through a state board where available, a trusted charity, or directly — to eligible recipients.
Boards and private giving.
How Zakat is organised in Nigeria depends on where you are. Several northern states have established official Zakat and endowment boards that collect and distribute Zakat to eligible recipients. In other parts of the country, Zakat is given through charities and community organisations, or directly to those in need.
Your own figure.
Total your Zakatable wealth in naira on your Zakat date — savings, gold, business and investments — subtract eligible near-term liabilities, and compare with the gold or silver Nisab in naira. Apply 2.5% where the threshold is met.
Where the naira moves sharply, use a current price and rate on your Zakat date rather than an outdated figure.
Board, charity or direct.
Give through a state Zakat board where one operates, a trusted charity, or directly to eligible people you know. In every case, confirm recipients meet the requirements of the view you follow, and keep a record.
Arrangements differ by state and can change. Confirm the current position with your local Zakat board or a qualified authority.
Questions people ask.
Is there an official Zakat system in Nigeria?+
In several northern states, yes — official Zakat and endowment boards collect and distribute Zakat. Elsewhere, Zakat is given through charities and community bodies or directly to those in need.
What currency and Nisab do I use?+
Calculate in Nigerian naira, using a current gold or silver price on your Zakat date to set your Nisab, since currency and metal prices can move sharply.
How should I give my Zakat in Nigeria?+
Through a state Zakat board where available, a trusted charity, or directly to eligible people, confirming recipients are entitled to receive Zakat under the view you follow.
Use the private calculator.
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