Sharia, sovereignty, and the true meaning of Nigeria’s constitution

Recent commentary from foreign circles, particularly from the United States, has once again put Nigeria’s implementation of Sharia law under global scrutiny. In the rush to judge, many external observers overlook a crucial fact: Nigeria is a sovereign republic with a constitution that fully protects religious autonomy and diversity. Any criticism that ignores this reality is not only misinformed but also risks intruding into matters that the Nigerian people have already resolved through democratic consensus.

Nigeria is not a religious battlefield; it is a federation of diverse cultures, faiths, and traditions, united by a Constitution that guarantees freedom of worship. Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly states that every Nigerian has the right to believe or not believe, to worship, to teach, and to practice their religion without fear. This is not a privilege granted by the state; it is a fundamental right.

This constitutional protection is precisely why Sharia law exists in Muslim-majority states across the North. Sharia is not a national imposition; it is not forced upon Christians or adherents of other faiths. It applies only to Muslims who voluntarily adhere to its principles. Just as Christians organise their internal doctrines without interference, Muslims also have the constitutional space to govern their personal religious affairs. This is how religious coexistence works in Nigeria, not just in theory, but in daily life.

Those who accuse Northern states of violating Nigeria’s secular nature often fail to look beyond the headlines. Section 10 of the Constitution firmly states that no government, federal or state, may adopt a religion as the state religion. This safeguard is what allows Nigeria to remain a secular political entity while permitting cultural and religious expressions at the state level. Therefore, Sharia is not a challenge to national unity; it is a recognised reflection of Nigeria’s federal identity.

Foreign governments need to appreciate this delicate balance. Nigeria’s constitutional order was not drafted in Washington, London, or Brussels. It was negotiated by Nigerians who lived through military rule, political tension, and religious misunderstanding. The result is a framework that respects differences while insisting on equality before the law. To dismiss that achievement is to assume that Nigerians cannot manage their own affairs.

Nigeria values its partnerships, including with the United States, but such partnerships must be grounded in respect, not condescending lectures about a system that many critics hardly understand. The United States would never tolerate foreign interference in its internal policies; Nigeria should expect the same courtesy. While dialogue is welcome, it must acknowledge that Nigeria’s sovereignty is not up for debate.

The implementation of Sharia law does not weaken Nigeria’s democracy; it demonstrates its maturity. It shows that different regions can express their identities without tearing the nation apart. Those who speak of religious conflict should visit the North and see for themselves Christians attending church freely, Muslims observing their faith, and markets bustling with both communities trading side by side. That lived reality is more powerful than any foreign report.

Nigeria’s Constitution is a shield that protects every believer, every non-believer, and every minority. Any conversation about Sharia must begin there, not in the pages of foreign think tanks or the assumptions of distant commentators.

A nation that understands its laws should never hesitate to defend them. Likewise, a friend who respects Nigeria must take the time to understand it.

Ishaq Adam Magama, wrote  from Magama, Toro, Bauchi state

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