The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has endorsed the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly but has called for the removal of any provisions that violate Shari’a law.
The council stressed that any section of the bills contradicting Islamic legal principles should be expunged to ensure compliance with the Constitution and promote inclusivity.
Led by its Presidential-General and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the NSCIA made its position known during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Finance. The council’s memorandum was presented by Barrister Haroun Eze, Head of the NSCIA’s Legal Unit and an Imam at the National Mosque in Abuja.
In its submission, the NSCIA argued that the bills could have far-reaching effects on the Muslim community and raised constitutional concerns about specific provisions.
Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides for the establishment of Shari’a Courts of Appeal to handle Muslim personal laws such as marriage and inheritance, the council urged lawmakers to remove any sections that could undermine these legal principles.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for the establishment of Shari’a Courts of Appeal for Muslim personal laws, including marriage and inheritance. Therefore, all sections of the bills that may directly or indirectly impugn on the law on Shari’a would be unconstitutional and should be removed,” the NSCIA stated.
The NSCIA also recommended replacing the term “ecclesiastical” in the bill with “religious” to ensure that the legislation reflects all religious groups without bias.
“The term ‘ecclesiastical’ used in a section of the bills should be changed to ‘religious’ to avoid the impression that it excludes some religious groups,” the memorandum read.
The tax reform bills have sparked controversy, particularly among Northern leaders and governors, who argue that the proposed changes primarily favor Lagos State and other select regions while marginalizing the North.
The NSCIA noted that while it only became aware of the public hearing on February 24, it felt an urgent need to participate due to the significant impact the bills could have on the Muslim community and the general public.
“As the representative of all Muslims across the country, the NSCIA recommends that all major technical and socio-political issues raised by different sections of the country should be diligently considered and equitably addressed to the satisfaction of all, or at least most, segments of the nation,” the council asserted.
Despite raising constitutional concerns, the NSCIA reaffirmed its support for the tax reform bills, provided that its recommendations are incorporated.
“Taking all its recommendations into consideration, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs recommends the passage of the bills. While we appreciate the opportunity to make this submission, the council remains committed to constructive engagement in national policy formulation and legislative reforms,” the statement added.
The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberating on the tax reform bills in the coming weeks as lawmakers consider the concerns raised by various stakeholders.