TAX REFORM: NSCIA WRITES SENATE, SEEKS REMOVAL OF BILLS CONTRADICTING SHARIA’H LAW
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has urged for the removal of any provisions in the 2024 Tax Reform Bills that could conflict with Shariah law, citing the protection of Muslim personal laws under the Nigerian Constitution.
The council also recommended replacing the term “ecclesiastical” with “religious” to ensure equitable treatment of all faith-based institutions.
These concerns were outlined in a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance, where the NSCIA expressed its stance on the proposed tax reforms, highlighting the importance of fairness, constitutional respect, and national unity.
The memorandum, delivered by Barrister Haroun Eze, an Imam at the National Mosque in Abuja and Head of NSCIA’s Legal Unit, emphasized that tax policies should be just and inclusive for all Nigerians.
The NSCIA called on lawmakers to ensure that the new tax laws do not infringe on religious laws or citizens’ rights, stressing that tax regulations should not pose any issues for Muslims or other religious groups.
A key concern for the NSCIA is how the proposed tax bills could impact the practice of Shariah law in Nigeria. The council reminded the Senate that the 1999 Constitution permits the establishment of a Shariah Court of Appeal, which handles matters like marriage and inheritance for Muslims.
The NSCIA warned that any tax laws that interfere with these rights would be unconstitutional and must be revised. It urged lawmakers to exercise caution when creating laws that might affect religious practices to avoid potential conflicts.
The council also objected to the use of the term “ecclesiastical” in the bills, suggesting that it may favor a specific religious group. To ensure inclusivity for all religious institutions, the NSCIA recommended replacing “ecclesiastical” with “religious.” The council emphasized that using neutral language is crucial for fairness and to prevent any group from feeling marginalized.
Additionally, the NSCIA stressed the importance of lawmakers taking into account all political, economic, and social concerns raised by Nigerians.
Despite its concerns, the NSCIA endorsed the passage of the Tax Reform Bills, acknowledging their significance for the country’s economy. However, it expressed dissatisfaction with the late notification of the public hearing, which it learned about just one day before it was set to take place, making it challenging to prepare a comprehensive submission.
The council called on lawmakers to enhance communication so that stakeholders have sufficient time to review and contribute to proposed legislation.
While expressing gratitude to the Senate Committee on Finance for allowing its submission, the NSCIA reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the government to improve policies and laws.
The council committed to continuing its advocacy for fair and just policies that uphold the Constitution and safeguard the rights of all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community.
