The House of Representatives has rejected a bill aimed at expanding Islamic law in Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. The proposed amendment sought to remove the term "personal" from references to Islamic law, allowing broader applications.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted against a bill proposed by Aliyu Missau aimed at expanding Islamic law within Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. The legislation sought to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 by removing the term "personal" from references to "Islamic law," allowing for broader applications beyond personal matters, particularly in commercial contexts.
During the debate, which revealed a deep regional divide, lawmakers from northern states generally supported the bill, citing the need for Islamic commercial law to evolve. Missau argued that retaining the word "personal" limited the scope of Islamic law and impeded its development, particularly with the rise of institutions like Jaiz Bank that operate under Islamic commercial principles.
Opponents, however, including Solomon Bob from Rivers, warned that removing "personal" could lead to a wider application of Islamic law than intended by the framers of the constitution. They stressed that the term was deliberately included to maintain a distinction that respects Nigeria's secular nature. Bamidele Salam from Osun echoed these concerns, referencing historical debates during previous constitutional assemblies that highlighted the sensitive balance between religion and governance.
Ultimately, the bill was defeated during a voice vote presided over by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, maintaining the current provisions governing Islamic law in the constitution.
