A recent bill seeking to expand the scope of Sharia law beyond personal matters has been firmly rejected by Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Aliyu Missau, aimed to amend sections 24, 262, and 277 of the Nigerian Constitution.
However, this is to remove the term “personal” from its application to Sharia law.
Aliyu Missau argued that this amendment would enable commercial entities, particularly Islamic finance institutions like Jaiz and Taj banks.
This will allow them to operate more effectively under a broader interpretation of Sharia.
However, many lawmakers viewed the proposed amendment as an attempt to widen the jurisdiction of Sharia law beyond its current limitations, which are confined to personal issues such as marriage, inheritance, and other civil matters specific to adherents.
Osun State representative Bamidele Salam was vocal in his opposition.
He warns of the potential dangers such an amendment could introduce.
“We must be cautious with any constitutional changes that may widen divisions in Nigeria,” Salam stated.
Another lawmaker, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, also opposed the bill, citing potential social risks.
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Also, several representatives from northern states, including Saidu Abdullah, Abdullah Ado, and Ahmad Satomi, defended the bill.
They asserted that it was harmless and would primarily aid Islamic financial institutions.
