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NSCIA to Senate: Remove Sections Conflicting Shariah Law from Tax Bill
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged the Senate to remove sections of the Tax Reform Bills (2024) that conflict with Shariah law.
In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance, the NSCIA stated that the 1999 Constitution provides for the establishment of Shariah Court of Appeal for Muslim personal laws, including marriage and inheritance.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for the establishment of Shariah Court of Appeal for Muslim personal laws which include marriage and inheritance.
“Therefore, all sections of the Bills that may directly or indirectly impugn on the law on Shariah would be unconstitutional and should therefore be removed,” the NSCIA emphasized.
The Council also recommended that the Senate consider all major technical and political-socio issues raised by different sections and segments of the country, saying “all the major technical and political-socio issues raised by different sections and segments of the country should be diligently considered and equitably addressed to the satisfaction of almost, if not, all segments of the country.”
Meanwhile, the NSCIA suggested a change in terminology, stating “the term ‘ecclesiastical’ used in a section of the Bills should be changed to ‘religious’ in order not to give the impression that it excluded some religious group.”
The NSCIA’s submission comes after the Council learned about the public hearing through media reports, with only a day’s notice.
Despite this, the Council seized the opportunity to make its recommendations, emphasizing its commitment to constructive engagement in national policy formulation and legislative reforms.
“While we appreciate the opportunity to make this submission, the Council remains committed to constructive engagement in national policy formulation and legislative reforms,” the NSCIA concluded.
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