Reps Reject Bill to Expand Scope of Sharia Law, Say Nigeria Is Not an Islamic State  

The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to broaden the application of Sharia law beyond personal matters. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Aliyu Bappa Misau from Bauchi, proposed amending sections of the Constitution to include Islamic international and commercial laws. Misau argued this would help banks like Jaiz and Taj operate more effectively.

During a plenary session on Thursday, Misau urged lawmakers to support the proposal, claiming the Constitution’s current language only addresses personal Islamic law and lacks provisions for commercial matters. However, several lawmakers voiced concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s secular nature and religious freedoms.

Bamidele Salam of Osun warned that the amendment could compromise Nigeria’s religious balance. Solomon Bob recommended careful review to avoid conflicts between Islamic and Common Law. Other lawmakers, including Awaji-Inombek Abiante, stressed that existing laws cover the bill’s objectives.

Jonathan Gaza of Nasarawa constituency particularly cautioned that amending the Constitution to expand Sharia law could set a precedent, leading other religious groups to seek similar changes. Gaza stated that freedom of worship is protected and does not require further constitutional amendments. Despite support from some northern representatives, the majority opposed the bill, and it was ultimately rejected.

In Nigeria, Sharia law is primarily applied in personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes within Muslim communities. Its jurisdiction is mostly limited to northern states with significant Muslim populations. Nigeria is a secular state; thus, the expansion of Sharia laws into criminal or commercial is illegal.

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