The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Senate to amend sections of the Tax Reform Bills that conflict with Shariah law. In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance, the council argued that any provisions contradicting Islamic legal principles would be unconstitutional and should be removed.
The memorandum also recommended replacing the term “ecclesiastical” in the bills with “religious” to ensure inclusivity and prevent the perception that some religious groups were excluded. Additionally, NSCIA urged lawmakers to address all major technical, political, and social concerns from different stakeholders to ensure fairness and nationwide acceptance.
Despite these concerns, the council supported the passage of the bills. “Taking all the above 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 memorandum read.
