A bill introduced by Aliyu Misau, a member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, has caused a split in Nigeria’s House of Representatives. The bill seeks to amend sections 24, 262, 277, and 288 of the 1999 Constitution by removing the term “personal” from “Islamic personal law.” Misau argues that this change would broaden the scope of Islamic law beyond personal matters, such as inheritance and marriage, to include commercial and international aspects of Islamic law.
Misau explained, “The 1999 Constitution did not foresee the development of Islamic financial institutions, like Jaiz Bank, which operates under Islamic commercial law.” He further argued that removing “personal” would support the growth of Islamic financial law in Nigeria.
The proposal has divided lawmakers, with many from northern constituencies showing support. However, southern representatives, like Solomon Bob from Rivers State, opposed the bill, warning that the amendment could expand Islamic law’s application beyond the limitations intended by the Constitution’s drafters. Bob noted, “The word ‘personal’ was put there for a reason.” Other lawmakers, including PDP member Bamidele Salam from Osun State, cited Nigeria’s secular status as a basis for caution in constitutional changes that could intensify religious tensions. “We must be careful with any changes… that could further widen divisions in Nigeria,” Salam said, referencing historical debates around Islamic law in Nigeria.
After a voice vote led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the majority of lawmakers present rejected the bill, maintaining the current restrictions on Islamic law in the Constitution.
