The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has endorsed the ongoing tax reform bills in the National Assembly but has urged the removal of any provisions that conflict with Shari’a law.
The council stressed that any sections of the bills that infringe upon Islamic legal principles must be eliminated to ensure compliance with the constitution and promote inclusivity. Led by its Presidential-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, the NSCIA presented its memorandum during a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Finance. The document was submitted by Barrister Haroun Eze, the NSCIA’s Head of Legal Unit and Imam at the National Mosque in Abuja.
The tax reform proposals have generated significant debate, particularly among Northern leaders and governors who argue that the changes largely favor Lagos State and certain interests while sidelining other regions. This controversy has sparked heated discussions in both chambers of the National Assembly.
In its submission, the NSCIA stated that their intervention was prompted by the profound impact of the bills on Nigerians, especially the Muslim community. The council noted that they were made aware of the public hearing through the media on February 24 but felt it imperative to submit their recommendations nonetheless.
“As the representative of all Muslims across the country, the NSCIA encourages that all key technical and socio-political concerns from various regions should be thoroughly considered and addressed to satisfy all, or at least most, segments of the nation,” the council asserted.
The memorandum raised constitutional issues, particularly regarding clauses that may conflict with Islamic law. Citing the amended 1999 Constitution, which allows for the establishment of Shari’a Courts of Appeal for personal matters like marriage and inheritance, the NSCIA urged lawmakers to eliminate any sections of the bills undermining these legal principles. “Any provisions infringing upon Shari’a law would be unconstitutional and should be removed,” the council emphasized.
Furthermore, the NSCIA proposed substituting the term “ecclesiastical” with “religious” in one section of the bills to foster inclusivity and avoid perceptions of bias against particular religious groups.
While expressing these concerns, the NSCIA reiterated its support for the passage of the tax reform bills, contingent upon the incorporation of its recommendations. “Once our recommendations are taken into account, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs endorses the passage of the bills. We appreciate the chance to contribute to this discourse and remain committed to constructive engagement in national policy and legislative reforms,” the statement concluded.
The tax reform debate is anticipated to continue in the coming weeks as lawmakers consider the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
