Amid ongoing discussions on Nigeria’s tax reform, the nation’s top Islamic body has called on lawmakers to revise certain provisions to ensure they align with religious principles. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged the Senate to remove sections of the proposed tax bills that conflict with Sharia law, particularly in areas related to marriage and inheritance.
In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance on Tuesday, the council outlined its concerns, emphasizing that any legal provisions undermining Islamic personal laws would contradict the country’s constitution. It also recommended replacing the term “ecclesiastical” with “religious” in a section of the bills to ensure inclusivity and prevent the exclusion of any faith group.
“The NSCIA, as the representative body for all Muslims across Nigeria, urges that all major technical, political, and socio-economic concerns raised by various groups be equitably addressed to ensure broad satisfaction,” the memorandum stated. “The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for the establishment of a Sharia Court of Appeal to handle Muslim personal laws, including marriage and inheritance. Therefore, any section of the bills that directly or indirectly undermines Sharia law would be unconstitutional and should be removed.”
The council further expressed its support for tax reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic landscape but insisted that such reforms must be fair and inclusive, respecting the constitutional rights and religious beliefs of all citizens.
As part of its recommendations, the NSCIA stressed that the language used in legislative drafting should be neutral and all-encompassing. The use of “ecclesiastical” in a section of the bills, it argued, could be misinterpreted as favoring one religious tradition over others. “Replacing it with ‘religious’ would ensure neutrality and inclusivity in a multi-religious nation like Nigeria,” the council noted.
The Senate recently conducted a two-day public hearing on the proposed tax reform bills, bringing together key stakeholders from the economic, financial, and legal sectors. The discussions focused on modernizing Nigeria’s tax system, improving revenue generation, and ensuring equitable tax policies that reflect the country’s socio-economic diversity.
Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, assured the public that the review process would be transparent and guided by national interest. He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to considering all recommendations presented during the hearing, stating that tax reforms must align with current economic realities while upholding constitutional provisions.
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The NSCIA, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, serves as the apex Islamic organization in Nigeria, overseeing the affairs of Islam and the Muslim community. The council remains actively engaged in national policy discussions, advocating for policies that align with the religious and socio-cultural values of Nigerian Muslims.
While expressing appreciation for the opportunity to present its views, the NSCIA urged lawmakers to carefully review its recommendations before passing the tax reform bills into law. The council reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with the government to ensure policies are inclusive and beneficial to all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation.
