The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Senate to remove provisions in the proposed tax reform bills that conflict with Sharia law, particularly those related to marriage and inheritance.
In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance on Tuesday, the council also recommended replacing the term “ecclesiastical” with “religious” in the bills to ensure inclusivity for all faith groups.
Representing the interests of Muslims nationwide, the NSCIA emphasized the need for a fair resolution of all technical, political, and socio-economic concerns raised by various stakeholders. The memorandum stated, “The 1999 Constitution provides for a Sharia Court of Appeal to handle Muslim personal laws, including marriage and inheritance. Any provision in the bills that undermines Sharia law would be unconstitutional and should be removed.”
Additionally, the NSCIA urged the Senate to adopt its recommendations before passing the bills and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the legislative process.
The Senate recently conducted a two-day public hearing on the tax reform bills, engaging key economic and financial stakeholders. Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, assured that the review process would be transparent and driven by national interest.
The NSCIA, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, remains the highest Islamic body in Nigeria, overseeing the affairs of Muslims across the country.
