On Thursday, Nigeria's House of Representatives dismissed a bill proposing the expansion of Islamic law in the 1999 Constitution. Sponsored by Rep. Aliyu Missau, the bill sought to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 by removing the term “personal” from “Islamic personal law,” allowing for broader application of Islamic law beyond personal matters.
Missau argued that the amendment would support the growing relevance of Islamic commercial law, particularly for institutions like Jaiz Bank, which operates under Islamic financial principles. However, the bill ignited debate, with legislators divided along regional lines. Northern lawmakers, such as Abdul Hakeem Ado of Kano and Saidu Abdullahi from Niger, supported the proposal, emphasizing the need for Islamic commercial law. Southern lawmakers, including Solomon Bob from Rivers and Bamidele Salam from Osun, opposed it, citing the potential erosion of Nigeria’s secular framework.
Rep. Solomon Bob cautioned that removing “personal” could broaden Islamic law’s reach in civil matters, while Rep. Salam emphasized the historical sensitivities that informed the original language of the Constitution, warning against amendments that could fuel divisions.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu put the bill to a voice vote, resulting in its rejection. This decision maintains the status quo, keeping Islamic law applicable to personal matters only, as originally outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
