Supreme Council for Shar’ah in Nigeria is illegal – NSCEA
… Insisting The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Is the Only Recognized Islamic Umbrella Body
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) hereby issues a firm and unequivocal advocacy statement declaring that the so-called Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) is illegal, unconstitutional, and unacceptable within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NSCEA maintains that Nigeria already has a duly established, widely recognized, and constitutionally accommodated Islamic umbrella body — the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). The emergence, operation, or promotion of any parallel national Islamic authority under the guise of a “Supreme Council for Shari’ah” is therefore redundant, divisive, and inimical to national cohesion.
LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL, AND NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS
- No Constitutional Basis
Nigeria’s Constitution does not recognize or authorize any national religious body with powers or nomenclature suggesting supremacy of religious law over the secular state. The adoption of the term “Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria” carries grave constitutional implications and falsely suggests an overarching religious authority incompatible with Nigeria’s secular legal framework. - Duplication and Institutional Anarchy
The NSCIA already exists as the nationally acknowledged body representing Islamic affairs in Nigeria. Creating a parallel structure undermines institutional order, fuels confusion, and risks inter-religious and intra-religious conflict. - Threat to National Unity
Nigeria is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-legal federation. Any organization that projects the expansion or nationalization of a singular religious legal system threatens peaceful coexistence and violates the spirit of federalism and pluralism upon which Nigeria stands. - Public Order and Security Risks
In an era marked by religious extremism, insurgency, and identity-based violence, the normalization of unauthorized religious “supreme councils” poses serious risks to national security and public order.
NSCEA’S POSITION AND DEMANDS
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) therefore advocates and insists on the following:
Immediate investigation by relevant government agencies into the registration, funding, leadership, and activities of the SCSN.
Clear public clarification by the Federal Government that the SCSN has no legal standing or constitutional recognition.
Strict enforcement of Nigeria’s laws governing associations, religious bodies, and national security.
Affirmation of the NSCIA as the sole nationally recognized Islamic umbrella body in Nigeria, consistent with long-standing practice and interfaith balance.
Protection of Nigeria’s secular legal order and the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP
The NSCEA calls on all responsible religious leaders — Christian, Muslim, and traditional — to reject structures that promote division, supremacy, or parallel authority. Faith must be exercised within the bounds of the Constitution, the rule of law, and mutual respect.Nigeria must not drift into religious institutional chaos under any pretext.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) is illegal in conception, unconstitutional in implication, and dangerous in effect. Nigeria already has the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). There is no legal, moral, or national justification for a parallel “Supreme Council” claiming religious supremacy.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs strongly advocates for the dissolution of the SUPREME COUNCIL FOR SHARI’AH IN NIGERIA (SCSN), deeming it illegal in Nigeria.
This stance is based on the fact that the Nigerian Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is already established and operational, serving as the recognized body for Islamic affairs in the country. The existence of SCSN is seen as redundant and potentially disruptive to the existing framework for Islamic governance and representation in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Constitution (Section 10) emphasizes the secular nature of the state, implying that no religious body should operate in a manner that contravenes established laws or creates parallel structures. The SCSN’s operations could be seen as inconsistent with this principle, given the NSCIA’s existing role.
Furthermore, the Organizations of Shari’ah in Nigeria are expected to operate within the framework of Nigerian law, and having multiple competing councils could lead to confusion and undermine the country’s religious harmony.
We urge the relevant authorities, including the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Ministry of Justice, to review the registration and operations of SCSN and take necessary actions to address this issue in line with Nigeria’s laws and regulations.
The NSCEA stands firmly for constitutionalism, national unity, interfaith harmony, and the preservation of Nigeria’s plural democratic order.
Signed:
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary Elders’ Council
Nigeria Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)
Abuja, Nigeria
